Considerations in the choice of interobserver reliability estimates

Two types of interobserver reliability values may be needed in treatment studies in which observers constitute the primary data-acquisition system: trial reliability and the reliability of the composite unit or score which is subsequently analyzed, e.g., daily or weekly session totals. Two approaches to determining interobserver reliability are described: percentage agreement and "correlational" measures of reliability. The interpretation of these estimates, factors affecting their magnitude, and the advantages and limitations of each approach are presented.     

Business Research, Self-fulfilling Prophecy, and the Inherent Responsibility of Scholars

Business research and teaching institutions play an important role in shaping the way businesses perceive their relations to the broader society and its moral expectations. Hence, as ethical scandals recently arose in the business world, questions related to the civic responsibilities of business scholars and to the role business schools play in society have gained wider interest. In this article, I argue that these ethical shortcomings are at least partly resulting from the mainstream business model with its taken-for granted basic assumptions such as specialization or the value-neutrality of business research. Redefining the roles and civic responsibilities of business scholars for business practice implies therefore a thorough analysis of these assumptions if not their redefinition. The taken-for-grantedness of the mainstream business model is questioned by the transformation of the societal context in which business activities are embedded. Its value-neutrality in turn is challenged by self-fulfilling prophecy effects, which highlight the normative influence of business schools. In order to critically discuss some basic assumptions of mainstream business theory, I propose to draw parallels with the corporate citizenship concept and the stakeholder theory. Their integrated approach of the relation between business practice and the broader society provides interesting insights for the social reembedding of business research and teaching.     

The Science and Theology of Dreams

ABSTRACT

Although dreams were an important theological topic for the early Christians and the Church Fathers, there has been less Christian theological work on dreams in the modern era. I argue that dreams of the OT/NT should be treated together with “visions,” and that these dreams/visions are rooted in REM neurobiology and are manifestations of the utilization of the higher capacities of the mind/brain/soul that allow the individual to access information not otherwise available to the waking mind. Thus knowledge derived from dreams/visions should be (after appropriate discernment criteria are applied) treated as an ongoing and additional source for revelation.     

Expectations about the long-term consequences of recurring defensive interpersonal behavior

We investigated individuals’ expectations about the long-term impact of recurring defensive behavior on relationships. Specifically, we presented interpersonal vignettes to 96 participants who described their expectations about how the relationships would turn out. Consistent with predictions based on the theory of interpersonal defense (Westerman, 1998, 2005; Westerman & Prieto, 2006; Westerman & Steen, in press), as a group, participants anticipated that, over the long term, defensive behavior would (a) avert clear-cut instances of feared outcomes, (b) thwart the realization of wished-for outcomes, (c) promote positive outcomes related to, but distinct from wished-for outcomes, and (d) promote negative outcomes related to, but distinct from feared consequences (in a form of self-fulfilling prophesy). In support of a hypothesis regarding individual differences, self-reports of defensiveness were associated with less appreciation for the long-term costs of interpersonal defense. In the discussion, we consider alternative models for explaining this relationship between defensiveness and individuals’ expectations downplaying costs.     

The “sexually abused child”: Potential mechanisms of adverse influences of such a label

Labeling and the effects of labeling have been extensively researched in the psychological literature in a variety of different contexts. For example, labeling has been empirically shown to lead to lowered expectancies of behavior and achievement, which can then contribute to the potential for the occurrence of a self-fulfilling prophecy with adverse consequences. Another area that has been extensively researched, with a dramatic increase in the literature base in recent history, is that of child sexual abuse (CSA). Despite various shortcomings of the research literature, the consistent findings have been identification of a variety of negative correlates and symptomatologies associated with CSA. In addition to any direct, negative effects of CSA, there may also be an additional impact from the “label” itself. Although the literature pertaining to CSA and labeling runs deep independently, efforts at addressing the issue of CSA within a labeling contextual framework have been minimal. To that end, this article examines hypothesized mechanisms of how the “sexual abuse” label may potentially have an adverse influence on the children subjected to such a label. The implications of an analysis, which addresses childhood sexual abuse from such a theoretical framework, may be a broader and more holistic understanding of the complexities and sequelae associated with CSA.