Social Information Processing: A Useful Framework for Educational Psychology

The Social Information Processing (SIP) model (Crick & Dodge, 1994; Dodge, 1986; Lemerise & Arsenio, 2000) offers a detailed framework for understanding the way that a child makes sense of and acts in social situations. When applied in the context of a wider biopsychosocial conceptualisation (Dodge & Pettit, 2003), it offers a comprehensive model that is in accordance with current ways of thinking about human behaviour. This article reviews the history of the SIP model and considers the evidence for each step of the SIP model. In the light of these findings, the article considers possible reasons for the relative oversight of this model by the educational psychology profession. After presenting some reasons why it is still of contemporary relevance, this article sets out the ways that an SIP-informed approach offers a range of questions for assessment and intervention

A comparison of the physiological consequences of head-loading and back-loading for African and European women

The aim is to quantify the physiological cost of head-load carriage and to examine the ‘free ride’ hypothesis for head-load carriage in groups of women differing in their experience of head-loading. Twenty-four Xhosa women [13 experienced head-loaders (EXP), 11 with no experience of head-loading (NON)] attempted to carry loads of up to 70% of body mass on both their heads and backs whilst walking on a treadmill at a self-selected walking speed. Expired air was collected throughout. In a second study nine women, members of the British Territorial Army, carried similar loads, again at a self-selected speed. Maximum load carried was greater for the back than the head (54.7 ± 15.1 vs. 40.8 ± 13.2% BM, P <0.0005). Considering study one, head-loading required a greater oxygen rate than back-loading (10.1 ± 2.6 vs. 8.8 ± 2.3 ml kg bodymass−1 min−1, P = 0.043, for loads 10–25% BM) regardless of previous head-loading experience (P = 0.333). Percentage changes in oxygen consumption associated with head-loading were greater than the proportional load added in both studies but were smaller than the added load for the lighter loads carried on the back in study 1. All other physiological variables were consistent with changes in oxygen consumption. The data provides no support for the ‘free ride’ hypothesis for head-loading although there is some evidence of energy saving mechanisms for back-loading at low speed/load combinations. Investigating the large individual variation in response may help in identifying combinations of factors that contribute to improved economy

COSTS, YIELDS, AND NET RETURNS, COMMERCIAL NO-TILL COTTON PRODUCTION, MISSISSIPPI, 1999

An analysis of a 1999 sample of ten no-till producers indicates that over a reasonable range of cotton lint prices, no-till cotton production may result in larger net returns per acre than conventional tillage. However, the authors caution that additional analysis based on a larger sample of commercial no-till growers on better cotton soils is needed.no-till, spindle harvest, cost of production, yield, Production Economics,

THE IMPACT OF CURRENT COTTON PRICE AND PRODUCTION COSTS ON SKIP-ROW COTTON

According to conventional wisdom, low prices favor skip-row planting patterns while high prices favor solid planted cotton. Production costs have been trending upward for many years. Current high production costs have redefined the point at which a low price becomes a high price relative to skip-row versus solid planting pattern decisions. Growers considering a shift from solid to skip-row cotton must be able to produce high yields, more than 90% of the solid yield on a land acre basis.cotton, no-till yields, returns, Production Economics,

COSTS, YIELDS, AND NET RETURNS, COMMERCIAL ULTRA-NARROW ROW COTTON PRODUCTION, MISSISSIPPI, 1999

An analysis of a 1999 sample of 13 no-till producers indicates that over a reasonable range of cotton lint prices, ultra narrow cotton production may result in larger net returns per acre than conventional production practices. The largest percentage cost reduction is in fixed expenses. In general, total direct expenses per acre are also reduced, although UNRC usually results in higher seed and chemical expenses. UNRC has a lower total cost per pound compared to conventional cotton.UNRC, No-Till, cost of production, yield, stripper, harvest, Production Economics,

ALTERNATIVE COTTON PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Mississippi cotton farmers are adjusting to the current problem of low cotton price and high cotton production cost by modifying the way(s) they have traditionally grown cotton. This paper compares seven alternative production systems to the costs and returns associated with the conventional or traditional system labeled "solid cotton, 8-row equipment." Systems that combine wider equipment (less labor and machinery time per acre) with reduced tillage technology appear to offer opportunities to increase returns. Specific adjustments on individual farms will probably be dominated by the distribution of soil types.conservation tillage, ultra-narrow, no-till, skip-row, costs, returns, Production Economics,

To What Extent Is the Thrive Intervention Grounded in Research and Theory?

The Thrive approach is an assessment and planning based intervention that aims to develop children’s social and emotional wellbeing. Despite the increased popularity of Thrive, there is limited research that has investigated its effectiveness. After reviewing the assessment, training and intervention elements of Thrive and the evidence base for the underpinning assumptions, this article considers the evaluative research. Thrive is rooted in attachment theory and assumes that infant development is vulnerable to disruption by poor attachment experiences and that these disruptions can be ameliorated in later life through the development of secure relationships with school staff. The article concludes that, while Thrive is based on attachment theory, which itself is well supported by evidence, how Thrive applies and interprets this theory is less well supported. There is currently limited evidence of the impact of Thrive on children’s development. Other issues and implications of this critique are also discussed. This research was completed as part of the Doctorate in Educational Psychology at University of Southampton