A Synthesized Model for Integrating Principles of Adult Learning in the Higher Education Classroom

The work of adult educators such as Lindeman (1961), Kolb (1974), Knowles (1980), and Caffarella (2002) indicated the needs of the adult learner that should be considered when planning educational activities. Similarly, principles of what should occur in the higher education classroom were identified in the work of Bloom (1956), Fink (2003), and Bain (2004). This research sought to synthesize these two areas of study with the intent of establishing a model by which principles of adult education can be effectively integrated into the higher education classroom. Bloom’s Taxonomy and Kolb’s model were purposefully selected as pinnacle models in the areas of classroom teaching and adult education respectively. These models were synthesized into a new model that is designed to effectively implement principles of adult education in the higher education classroom while taking the needs of non-adult learners into consideration. The model was tested to verify its effectiveness in community college and regional university settings, which included both graduate and undergraduate courses. Results indicated the model was effective in teaching adult students while also accommodating non-adult students

Ten-year cancer incidence in rescue/recovery workers and civilians exposed to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center

Background: Cancer incidence in exposed rescue/recovery workers (RRWs) and civilians (non-RRWs) was previously reported through 2008. Methods: We studied occurrence of first primary cancer among World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees through 2011 using adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), and the WTC-exposure-cancer association, using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: All-cancer SIR was 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.20) in RRWs, and 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.15) in non-RRWs. Prostate cancer and skin melanoma were significantly elevated in both populations. Thyroid cancer was significantly elevated only in RRWs while breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were significantly elevated only in non-RRWs. There was a significant exposure dose-response for bladder cancer among RRWs, and for skin melanoma among non-RRWs. Conclusions: We observed excesses of total and specific cancers in both populations, although the strength of the evidence for causal relationships to WTC exposures is somewhat limited. Continued monitoring of this population is indicated

Values, deviance and conformity: Measuring values with the factorial survey method

The value concept is regularly employed by sociologists and social psychologists. Despite the ubiquitous nature of the concept, values are not a relevant theoretical construct in much social theory and the concept remains difficult to measure. This project tackles both theoretical and methodological shortcomings in the study and application of values. Two cutting edge methods of value measurement are used--the Schwartz Value Survey and the factorial survey method--and their results compared to assess the validity of these measures. There is little convergent validity with these two methods, perhaps due to some of the difficulties encountered when measuring values in the first place. In terms of content validity, both measures of values demonstrate a relationship between people's values and their deviant behavior. Surprisingly, this result has been difficult to obtain in the criminological literature. A theory that specifies a direct mechanism between values and deviance--cultural deviance theory--is tested. Evidence supports the notion that people who are more likely to be deviant, are also more likely to place a higher priority on "subterranean" values for wealth, aggression, competition, and beating the system, while simultaneously placing a low priority on "mainstream" values like trustworthiness and equality. Results could also apply to other criminological theories that have previously ignored values as an important theoretical construct

Refining the theory of basic individual values

We propose a refined theory of basic individual values intended to provide greater heuristic and explanatory power than the original theory of 10 values (Schwartz, 1992). The refined theory more accurately expresses the central assumption of the original theory that research has largely ignored: Values form a circular motivational continuum. The theory defines and orders 19 values on the continuum based on their compatible and conflicting motivations, expression of self-protection vs. growth, and personal vs. social focus. We assess the theory with a new instrument in 15 samples from 10 countries (N=6059). CFA and MDS analyses support discrimination of the 19 values, confirming the refined theory. MDS analyses largely support the predicted motivational order of the values. Analyses of predictive validity demonstrate that the refined values theory provides greater and more precise insight into the value underpinnings of beliefs. Each value correlates uniquely with external variables