The Effects of Background Characteristics of Attorneys and Judges on Decision Making in Domestic Relations Court: An Analysis of Child Support Awards

2021 ◽  
pp. 107-119
Author(s):  
Walter L. Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Domestic Relations

Impact of Similarity of Interviewer-Interviewee and Interviewer-Interviewer on Ratings in a Selection Interview

1980 ◽  
Vol 47 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1087-1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine F. Shepard ◽  
Maureen Hallinan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Additional Data ◽  
Social Approval ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Selection Interview ◽  
Ideal Candidate ◽  
Selection Interviews ◽  
Actual Selection

This study aimed to determine whether similarity of interviewer and interviewee or interviewer and interviewer influenced applicant interview ratings. Data on background characteristics, relative interests and need for social approval were secured from 21 faculty interviewers and 296 applicants during actual selection interviews. Contrary to prior findings based on simulated activity, the results did not uphold the role of similarity. Additional data gathered from follow-up interviews with faculty interviewers point to preconceived conceptions of an “ideal” candidate as a stronger reference point for decision making in selection interviews than similarity to self.

scholarly journals The Association Between Patients' eHealth Literacy and Satisfaction With Shared Decision-making and Well-being: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Huan Xu ◽  
Ling-Ming Zhou ◽  
Eliza Lai-Yi Wong ◽  
Dong Wang
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Shared Decision Making ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND Although previous studies have shown that a high level of health literacy can improve patients’ ability to engage in health-related shared decision-making (SDM) and improve their quality of life, few studies have investigated the role of eHealth literacy in improving patient satisfaction with SDM (SSDM) and well-being. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the relationship between patients’ eHealth literacy and their socioeconomic determinants and to investigate the association between patients’ eHealth literacy and their SSDM and well-being. METHODS The data used in this study were obtained from a multicenter cross-sectional survey in China. The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measure for Adults were used to measure patients’ eHealth literacy and capability well-being, respectively. The SSDM was assessed by using a self-administered questionnaire. The Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the differences in the eHEALS, SSDM, and Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measure for Adults scores of patients with varying background characteristics. Ordinary least square regression models were used to assess the relationship among eHealth literacy, SSDM, and well-being adjusted by patients’ background characteristics. RESULTS A total of 569 patients completed the questionnaire. Patients who were male, were highly educated, were childless, were fully employed, were without chronic conditions, and indicated no depressive disorder reported a higher mean score on the eHEALS. Younger patients (SSDM<sub>≥61 years</sub>=88.6 vs SSDM<sub>16-30 years</sub>=84.2) tended to show higher SSDM. Patients who were rural residents and were well paid were more likely to report good capability well-being. Patients who had a higher SSDM and better capability well-being reported a significantly higher level of eHealth literacy than those who had lower SSDM and poorer capability well-being. The regression models showed a positive relationship between eHealth literacy and both SSDM (<i>β</i>=.22; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and well-being (<i>β</i>=.26; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) after adjusting for patients’ demographic, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and health status variables. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that patients with a high level of eHealth literacy are more likely to experience optimal SDM and improved capability well-being. However, patients’ depressive status may alter the relationship between eHealth literacy and SSDM. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Cementing Partnerships: Applying a Network-Mapping Tool in Tajikistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazira R. Muhamedjonova ◽  
Jonathan Watkins ◽  
Sayora I. Nazarova ◽  
P. A. Holding
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Mapping Tool ◽  
Vulnerable Families ◽  
Network Mapping ◽  
Over Time

Background: This article describes the integration of an innovative network-mapping tool within a monitoring, evaluation and learning system. We describe how it serves to strengthen vulnerable families to care for their children. We discuss the use of this tool as part of the process of measurement for change in the preparation for the sustainable scaling of programme implementation. Tajikistan has a legacy of Soviet-style institutional care of children. Traditionally, very young children separated from their families have been cared for in institutional baby homes. This research is part of a wider project to transform these baby homes into community-oriented Family and Child Support Centres.Methods: We mapped the networks of child support experienced by parents and service providers. We used interactive, semi-structured interviews, and the tool evolved through an iterative process. We generated data to describe the connexions between children, families, professionals and supporting organisations. The resulting information revealed strengths and weaknesses in support provided, attitudes and perceptions towards the quality of the support as well as identifying processes through which changes strengthening the system can be stimulated.Results: The data showed that the main support for children comes from within their immediate household, but, over time, more distal support gained value. Variation in the networks of support related to gender, specific subgroups of need and location. Gender was the most influential determinant of patterns of support. Mothers' knowledge of service provision, represented by a greater number and variety of contacts on their network-maps, was more diverse than fathers'. In contrast, fathers' more limited networks showed connexions to individuals and organisations with potentially more powerful decision-making roles. Participation in the discussions around the network-mapping contributed towards a change in the use of data and evidence in the implementation team.Conclusions: Network-mapping is a valuable and adaptable tool that feeds into monitoring and evaluation at multiple levels. The process reveals the nature and extent of relationships of support for childcare and protection. It exposes the changes in these networks over time. Both the information provided and the process of collection can enrich care plans, create links within the network and inform decision-making that improves efficacy of delivery as we move to scale.

The Oxford Handbook of U.S. Judicial Behavior

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Separation Of Powers ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Judicial Decision ◽  
Judicial Decision Making ◽  
Institutional Dynamics ◽  
Judicial Appointments ◽  
Judicial Impact

The chapters in this handbook reflect on aspects of judicial decision-making in U.S. courts, with a focus on the factors and institutional dynamics that shape the choices judges make. The authors have provided chapters that describe existing research on multiple aspects of the decision-making process and environment, including chapters on judicial appointments and elections, court personnel (law clerks), trial and appellate processes, precedent and case selection, lawyers, litigants and interest groups, intergovernmental dynamics and the separation of powers, judicial attitudes and background characteristics, public opinion, and judicial impact and the implementation of court decrees. These chapters offer a comprehensive evaluation of the existing literature both for students who are new to these areas of behavioral research, as well as for scholars interested in identifying avenues for future research.

Child Support Grants in South Africa: A Pathway to Women's Empowerment and Child Well-being?

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
LEILA PATEL ◽  
TRUDIE KNIJN ◽  
FRITS VAN WEL
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Women's Empowerment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cash Transfers ◽  
Cash Transfer ◽  
Women’S Empowerment ◽  
Care Givers

AbstractDespite the growth of cash transfers to reduce poverty, promote child and family well-being and women's empowerment, the gender dynamics and impact of social protection remains poorly understood. We hypothesise that poor female care-givers receiving a cash transfer for their children are better able to contribute to the material and social well-being of their children than female care-givers who do not receive a cash transfer. This paper reports results of a household survey in one of the poorest wards in Johannesburg, South Africa. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. We found that cash transfers increase women's individual income, which is in turn positively associated with increased financial independence, decision-making power over financial resources and decisions about children's well-being. Beneficiaries were more actively engaged in care activities with their children. There are two implications for the insertion of gender and care into social protection policies. First that it is not necessary to attach behavioural change conditions to social protection policies in order to stimulate female care-givers to be more engaged in developmental activities with their children. Second, there is no risk of promoting a maternalistic model of care or ‘maternalism’ in the South African context as the transfer contributes to both women's individual incomes and their financial decision-making power.

scholarly journals Further Reflections on Spousal and Child Support After Pelech, Caron and Richardson

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-498
Author(s):  
Julien D. Payne
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Spousal Support ◽  
Supreme Court Of Canada ◽  
Causal Connection ◽  
Economic Dependence ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
Prospective Application

The causal connection thesis espoused in Pelech, Caron and Richardson has provoked more questions than solutions. Although conceived with the objective of providing certainty and predictability as well as national uniformity, its subsequent gestation has been fraught with complications. Professor J. McLeod, whose opinions in this context have been cited by the judiciary on frequent occasions, concludes that a causal connection between the applicant's need and a state of economic dependence engendered by the marriage is a legal prerequisite to the success of any claim for spousal support, whether it be governed by the Divorce Act, 1985 or by provincial statute and whether or not any prior settlement has been reached. This blanket approach is, in the opinion of this writer, an unacceptable extension of Pelech, Caron and Richardson. Many questions have arisen concerning the prospective application of the Supreme Court of Canada trilogy. Answers to these questions by the judiciary have generated divergent and irreconcilable opinions and dispositions. The judicial conflict cannot be rationalized simply on the basis that each case is to be determined on its own facts. Consequently, this paper does not provide a detailed analysis of the cases nor even cite the diverse judicial rulings. There must be well over two hundred cases wherein Pelech, Caron and Richardson have been cited. An examination of these decisions leads to the inescapable conclusion that the attitudes of individual judges towards marriage, divorce, and spousal support obligations constitute a major inarticulate premise that explains the wide diversity of opinions expressed and dispositions reached. In an attempt to provide some semblance of order out of judicial chaos, this writer attempts to provide a framework for future decision making that can accommodate the demands of both logic and fairness.

The Influence of Detailed Offender Characteristics on Consecutive Criminal Processing Decisions in the Netherlands

2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (10) ◽  
pp. 1279-1313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilde Wermink ◽  
Brian D. Johnson ◽  
Jan W. de Keijser ◽  
Anja J. E. Dirkzwager ◽  
Joni Reef ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Pretrial Release ◽  
International Context ◽  
Sentencing Disparity ◽  
Sentencing Decisions ◽  
Recent Scholarship ◽  
Offender Characteristics ◽  
Broad Array ◽  
Independent Effects

Recent scholarship on sentencing disparity emphasizes the need to consider multiple decision-making points, to incorporate more detailed information on offender background characteristics, and to examine disparity in broader international contexts. This study investigates both pretrial and final sentencing decisions, incorporating a broad array of theoretically relevant offender characteristics. It combines rich survey data with official sentencing data. This data collection is part of a larger project, the Prison Project, in which 1,904 Dutch pretrial detainees were interviewed. Results indicate that several different offender characteristics exert important independent effects over criminal processing decisions and that pretrial release exerts a powerful influence over final sentencing decisions. These findings contribute to ongoing scholarly debates over the key determinants of criminal punishment in international context.

Representative Bureaucracy and Attitudes Toward Automated Decision Making

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M Miller ◽  
Lael R Keiser
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Representative Bureaucracy ◽  
Survey Experiment ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Public Servants ◽  
Human Decision ◽  
Automated Decision Making ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract The theory of representative bureaucracy posits that citizens will view policy and service delivery more favorably if public servants share their background characteristics. However, automation is changing public service delivery, limiting human involvement in the process. We examine attitudes toward automated decision making through the lens of representative bureaucracy, generating expectations about how a lack of passive representation will affect views toward automated versus human decision making in government. Using a survey experiment, we find evidence that black citizens are more likely to rate automated decision making higher, compared with police officers, on fairness and preference when exposed to a lack of passive representation in a police agency. We do not find evidence of this relationship for white citizens. Our findings provide insight into the way in which passive representation conditions minority citizens’ views toward automation, highlighting the importance of considering representation, or lack thereof, as governments contemplate the adoption of automated services.

Race, poverty, and the traffic ticket cycle

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 190-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy C. Regoeczi ◽  
Stephanie Kent
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Systematic Observation ◽  
Traffic Stops ◽  
Situational Context ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blacks And Whites ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Through systematic observation of police decision-making behavior, the aim of this paper is to investigate what factors differentiate between citizens who receive a warning vs a ticket from police and whether the influence of those factors varies by race. The paper also explores the context of those decisions for both blacks and whites to further the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of any observed differences in the likelihood of receiving a ticket vs a warning. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected during police ridealongs conducted in a sample of cities within Cuyahoga County, Ohio. A total of 140 ridealongs were completed, yielding a total of 312 vehicle or citizen stops. Findings – The paper finds that black citizens are more likely to receive a ticket than white citizens. However, the paper also finds important differences in the situational context of traffic stops for blacks and whites and uncover evidence of a cycle of traffic tickets and license suspensions among some black drivers. Research limitations/implications – The study demonstrates the importance of examining the underlying situational context in analyses of decision making in traffic stops. The main limitation of the analyses is that the data were limited to one county in the state of Ohio. Practical implications – The data suggests that one of the causes of the racial disparities in tickets vs warnings involves a cycle of tickets and license suspensions that occurs among some black drivers. These drivers appear to become caught up in a cycle where a compilation of prior tickets from traffic infractions, driving without insurance, or defaulting on child support payments leads to high numbers of points and subsequent license suspensions. The paper discusses some practical implications for addressing this pattern, including specific programs that could be adopted by municipalities that seek to break the cycle of repeated violation of driver's license laws. Originality/value – Beyond identifying the impact of citizen race on the likelihood of receiving a warning vs a ticket during a traffic stop, this study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the situational context of these decisions, and identifying the ways in which variations in situational contexts help explain racial differences in outcomes in traffic stops. The identification of a traffic ticket cycle among some black drivers appears to be an original finding.

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