Using Opinion Polling Data to Replicate Non-Experimental Quantitative Results Across Time and Space: An Exploration of Attitudes Surrounding School Desegregation and Resegregation Policies

A renewed call for replications has emerged in social science research. An important form of replication involves exploring the extent to which findings from a given study hold in other contexts. This study draws on opinion polling data to replicate key findings across time and space based on an original study in one location analyzing attitudes toward public school assignment policies. The replication finds that many of the original findings hold, though one important exception reflects the changing context. We note that the increasing availability of relatively inexpensive methods of quantitative data production facilitates replication and comment on how the temporal interval between the original study and the replication may influence the extent to which findings replicate. We argue that largely successful replications help to clarify the conditions under which findings replicate, and that sociologists are in the early stages of determining which strategies work best for replicating which findings.

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Grower perceptions of native pollinators and pollination strategies in the lowbush blueberry industry

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1017/s1742170513000331 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 124-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Samuel P. Hanes ◽

Kourtney K. Collum ◽

Aaron K. Hoshide ◽

Eric Asare

Keyword(s):

Honey Bees ◽

Fruit Set ◽

Social Science Research ◽

Science Research ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Lowbush Blueberry ◽

Northeast Us ◽

Important Form ◽

Security Study

AbstractPollinator declines and dependence on insect pollination, particularly in fruit and vegetable crops, creates a pressing need to understand growers' interactions with pollinators and factors affecting pollination strategies. At present, many growers are dependent on commercial honey bees (Apis mellifera), but diversified strategies may be necessary to secure adequate crop pollination in the future. As of yet, little social science research exists on pollination practices. This article presents the results of a survey of lowbush blueberry growers in Maine. The survey was part of a five-year pollination security study focusing on four fruit and vegetables crops in the Northeast US. The survey assesses grower perceptions of native pollinators' effectiveness and their perceptions of native pollinators' contribution to fruit set. Results indicate a widespread perception among growers of native pollinators' importance. While native pollinators are not effective enough to replace rented honey bees for three-quarters of the industry, they are broadly seen as an important form of insurance in poor weather when honey bees' effectiveness is reduced. The main obstacle to greater utilization of native pollinators found in this study was uncertainty over native pollinators' contribution to yield and the associated difficulty monitoring native pollinators' population size. Scientists and extension experts must work to reduce these obstacles before more widespread use of native pollinators will occur.

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Factors Influencing Achievement in Undergraduate Social Science Research Methods Courses

Teaching Sociology ◽

10.1177/0092055x16676302 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 105-115 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Gail Markle

Keyword(s):

Social Science ◽

Research Methods ◽

Social Science Research ◽

Science Research ◽

Learning Approach ◽

Degree Programs ◽

Methods Courses ◽

Quantitative Results ◽

Retention And Graduation Rates ◽

Institutional Retention

Undergraduate social science research methods courses tend to have higher than average rates of failure and withdrawal. Lack of success in these courses impedes students’ progression through their degree programs and negatively impacts institutional retention and graduation rates. Grounded in adult learning theory, this mixed methods study examines the factors that influence student achievement in these courses among a sample of 724 social science students. Quantitative results indicate math self-concept, the belief that being good at math is necessary for success in the course; anxiety; attributions of course utility; learning approach; and GPA predict perceived learning. Qualitative results suggest students’ research self-concepts shape whether they take a deep learning approach (leaning in) or a surface learning approach (resistance) to the course. Course instructors also impact students’ perceptions of learning.

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