Fearfulness in the Community: Empirical Assessments of Influential Factors

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 562-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis D. Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Fear Of Crime ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Attitudes Toward The Police ◽  
Residents Attitudes ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Neighborhood Level

Fear of crime has been well studied; however, there has yet not been widespread consideration of the potential impact of both individual- and neighborhood-level factors on residents’ level of fear of crime. From a logistic-regression analytical standpoint, the present study empirically explores the contribution of several factors in explaining residents’ propensity for being fearful of crime. Precisely, the study tests the applicability and generalizability of three theoretical perspectives of fear of crime in the Ghanaian context and examines the effects of residents’ attitudes toward the police on their levels of fear of crime. Using large-scale cross-sectional data collected on more than 1,000 residents from 25 neighborhoods in Ghana, the results demonstrate significant predictive effects of both individual- and neighborhood-level factors on citizens’ rate of fearfulness. Findings from this study have both theoretical and practical implications, and provide important insights for the police to reduce levels of fear of crime in the community.

Immigrant perceptions of the police

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuning Wu ◽  
Ivan Y Sun ◽  
Liqun Cao
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Data Analyses ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Attitudes Toward The Police ◽  
Residents Attitudes ◽  
Sources Of Influence

A notable limitation among existing studies on immigrant perceptions of the police is the lack of a guiding theoretical framework in data analyses. This article delineates the theoretical perspectives that may explain group differential views on the police between immigrants and non-immigrants, and among immigrant groups. In particular, we formulate a new conceptual framework for classifying these theories. Theories are first organized by the two sources of influence that immigrant attitudes toward the police are subject to: universal factors that tend to shape all residents’ attitudes toward the police, and group-specific factors that apply only to foreign-born individuals. Then within both universal and immigrant-specific factors, there are four subcategories of demographic, experiential, structural, and attitudinal variables. Recommendations for future research are included.

Temporal Invariance in Repeated Cross-Sectional ‘Fear of Crime’ Research

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefaan Pleysier ◽  
Lieven Pauwels ◽  
Geert Vervaeke ◽  
Johan Goethals
Keyword(s):  
Fear Of Crime ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Item Parameter ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
International Context ◽  
Research Tradition ◽  
Equation Modelling

‘Fear of crime’ research is gradually outgrowing the tenacious criticism of being caught within a conservative methodological frame, inherent to the era when the research tradition originated. Over time, the idea that ‘fear of crime’ can be measured in a reliable and valid way by using a single indicator has been questioned. However, using more advanced measures confronts the research tradition with ‘new’ issues related to measurement error, and therefore urges methodological novelty and sophistication to a field notoriously starved of both. Previously, we provided evidence that in order for cross-cultural comparisons to be meaningful, the instruments used to measure ‘fear of crime’, need to exhibit adequate cross-cultural equivalence. This contribution argues that comparing ‘fear of crime’ levels across time is bound to this logic as well. Considering the growing attention paid in recent years to crime, insecurity and ‘fear of crime’ within public opinion in Belgium, as in Western Europe and in an international context in general, it is not unlikely that respondents have indeed changed or are changing their understanding of the issue. Using structural equation modelling (LISREL), this issue of potential temporal invariance or item parameter drift in ‘fear of crime’ item sets, will be assessed in two large scale, repeated cross-sectional research projects in Belgium, Le. the Safety Monitor and the APS-survey.

Institutional trust and performance: A study of the police in Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis D Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Performance Theory ◽  
Institutional Trust ◽  
Police Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Local Police ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Attitudes Toward The Police ◽  
Citizens Attitudes ◽  
Practical Implications

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the effects of three indicators of police performance on residents’ evaluations of their local police in Ghana. Specifically, the study attempts to address the question “Can performance theory be utilized to explain variations in citizens’ attitudes toward the police?” This question is addressed using cross-sectional data collected on 1024 residents from 25 neighborhoods in five urban cities in Ghana. Findings obtained find evidence to support the applicability of performance theory in the Ghanaian context. Findings from this study have both theoretical and practical implications and provide important insights for the police to enhance their performance and develop better relationship with the public.

Cross-Lagged Relationships Between Self-Esteem, Self-Construal, and Happiness in a Three-Wave Longitudinal Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-185
Author(s):  
Daniela Moza ◽  
Laurențiu Maricuțoiu ◽  
Alin Gavreliuc
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Independent Person

Abstract. Previous research established that an independent construal of the self is associated with higher self-esteem, which, in turn, is associated with increased happiness. Regarding the directionality of these relationships, theoretical arguments have suggested that self-construal precedes self-esteem and that self-esteem precedes happiness. However, most research in this area is cross-sectional, thus limiting any conclusions about directionality. The present study tested these relationships in 101 Romanian undergraduates using a 3-wave cross-lagged design with a 6-month time lag between every two waves. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that self-esteem is an antecedent of both happiness and dimensions of independent self-construal (i.e., consistency vs. variability and self-expression vs. harmony). In other words, one’s positive evaluation of self-worth precedes one’s self-perception as being a happy and independent person. The findings are discussed with respect to the theoretical and practical implications, along with limitations and suggestions for future research.

Are There Test Administrator Effects in Large-Scale Educational Assessments?

Methodology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 149-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Lüdtke ◽  
Alexander Robitzsch ◽  
Ulrich Trautwein ◽  
Frauke Kreuter ◽  
Jan Marten Ihme
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
International Student ◽  
Student Assessment ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Mathematics Scores ◽  
International Student Assessment ◽  
Sample Attrition ◽  
Educational Assessments ◽  
Test Administrator ◽  
Practical Implications

Abstract. In large-scale educational assessments such as the Third International Mathematics and Sciences Study (TIMSS) or the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), sizeable numbers of test administrators (TAs) are needed to conduct the assessment sessions in the participating schools. TA training sessions are run and administration manuals are compiled with the aim of ensuring standardized, comparable, assessment situations in all student groups. To date, however, there has been no empirical investigation of the effectiveness of these standardizing efforts. In the present article, we probe for systematic TA effects on mathematics achievement and sample attrition in a student achievement study. Multilevel analyses for cross-classified data using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedures were performed to separate the variance that can be attributed to differences between schools from the variance associated with TAs. After controlling for school effects, only a very small, nonsignificant proportion of the variance in mathematics scores and response behavior was attributable to the TAs (< 1%). We discuss practical implications of these findings for the deployment of TAs in educational assessments.

Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey among Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2393-PUB
Author(s):  
KENICHIRO TAKAHASHI ◽  
MINORI SHINODA ◽  
RIKA SAKAMOTO ◽  
JUN SUZUKI ◽  
TADASHI YAMAKAWA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Japanese Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diabetes Survey

Knowledge and awareness about MERS-CoV among the dental students in Chennai

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 847-851
Author(s):  
Nithyanandham Masilamani ◽  
Dhanraj Ganapathy
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mode Of Transmission

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) induced by new ß coronavirus MERS-(CoV) had first been described in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. MERS-CoV communication inside the population is often identified with clustered households and cramped communal spaces. The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of MERS-CoV among dental students in India. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of 100 dental college students in Chennai. The self-designed questionnaires contained ten questions focused on the knowledge and awareness of MERS-CoV amongst dental college students. Questionnaires were circulated through an online website survey planet. After the responses were received from 100 participants, data were collected and analyzed, .87% are aware of MERS-CoV through media 13% from professional channels. 84%are aware of the clinical manifestation of MERS-CoV. 81%Are aware of the mode of transmission of MERS-CoV. 76%are aware of the preventive measures against MERS -CoV.68%. Are aware of the incubation period of MERS-CoV. 74%aware of PCR as a diagnostic test for MERS-CoV. This study concluded that dental students had strong awareness and knowledge of MERS. Also, there are a few differences in information and behaviours that require change. Large-scale health educational programs on MERS also should be facilitated by professional organizations to expand their reach and to strengthen knowledge to have a positive impact on their behaviour.

Gambling-like video game practices: A cross-sectional study of links with problem gambling and disordered gaming

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Streaming Services ◽  
Clinically Significant

A variety of practices have recently emerged which are related to both video games and gambling. Most prominent of these are loot boxes. However, a broad range of other activities have recently emerged which are also related to both gambling and video games: esports betting, real-money video gaming, token wagering, social casino play, and watching videos of both loot box opening and gambling on game streaming services like Twitch.Whilst a nascent body of research has established the robust existence of a relationship between loot box spending and both problem gambling and disordered gaming, little research exists which examines whether similar links may exist for the diverse practices outlined above. Furthermore, no research has thus far attempted to estimate the prevalence of these activities.A large-scale survey of a representative sample of UK adults (n=1081) was therefore conducted in order to investigate these issues. Engagement in all measured forms of gambling-like video game practices were significantly associated with both problem gambling and disordered gaming. An aggregate measure of engagement was associated with both these outcomes to a clinically significant degree (r=0.23 and r=0.43). Engagement in gambling-like video game practices appeared widespread, with a 95% confidence interval estimating that 16.3% – 20.9% of the population engaged in these activities at least once in the last year. Engagement in these practices was highly inter-correlated: Individuals who engaged in one practice were likely to engage in several more.Overall, these results suggest that the potential effects of the blurring of lines between video games and gambling should not primarily be understood to be due to the presence of loot boxes in video games. They suggest the existence of a convergent ecosystem of gambling-like video game practices, whose causal relationships with problem gambling and disordered gaming are currently unclear but must urgently be investigated.

Financial distress determinants among SMEs: empirical evidence from Sweden

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darush Yazdanfar ◽  
Peter Öhman
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Global Financial Crisis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically investigate determinants of financial distress among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the global financial crisis and post-crisis periods.Design/methodology/approachSeveral statistical methods, including multiple binary logistic regression, were used to analyse a longitudinal cross-sectional panel data set of 3,865 Swedish SMEs operating in five industries over the 2008–2015 period.FindingsThe results suggest that financial distress is influenced by macroeconomic conditions (i.e. the global financial crisis) and, in particular, by various firm-specific characteristics (i.e. performance, financial leverage and financial distress in previous year). However, firm size and industry affiliation have no significant relationship with financial distress.Research limitationsDue to data availability, this study is limited to a sample of Swedish SMEs in five industries covering eight years. Further research could examine the generalizability of these findings by investigating other firms operating in other industries and other countries.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine determinants of financial distress among SMEs operating in Sweden using data from a large-scale longitudinal cross-sectional database.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document