Deborah A. Abowitz

Mixed Method Research: Fundamental Issues of Design, Validity, and Reliability in Construction Research

The fact that people play key roles in nearly all aspects of construction suggests that effective construction research requires proper application of social science research methods. This is particularly true for researchers studying topics that involve human actions or behavior in construction processes, such as leadership, innovation, and planning. In social science research, no single method of data collection survey, experiment, participant observation, or unobtrusive research is ideal. Each method has inherent strengths and weak- nesses. Careful attention to the methodological ABCs of the design process, as discussed here, can enhance the validity and reliability of a given study. Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches in research design and data collection, however, should be considered whenever possible. Such mixed-methods research is more expensive than a single method approach, in terms of time, money, and energy, but improves the validity and reliability of the resulting data and strengthens causal inferences by providing the opportunity to observe data convergence or divergence in hypothesis testing. DOI: 10.1061/ASCECO.1943-7862.0000026 CE Database subject headings: Research; Methodology; Measurement; Data analysis; Construction management. Author keywords: Research methods; Mixed methods; Social science; Concept measurement; Data analysis.

Bringing the sociological into the discussion: Teaching the sociology of genocide and the holocaust

This paper illustrates the utility of sociological concepts and theory in teaching about genocide and the Holocaust. Sociology provides the theoretical tools necessary for us to meaningfully integrate research, teaching, and learning in this area. To move closer to explanation and prediction, we need to more fully develop a sociology of genocide and the Holocaust-one grounded, for example, in the study of collective behavior and social movements, in the study of social groups and group dynamics, in the interaction of structure and agency, and in the study of the social constructions of group identity. Examples drawn from several sociology courses are used to illustrate how the sociological can be integrated in the study of genocide and the Holocaust and how the study of the Holocaust can be integrated into our study of the sociological.

Developing Awareness and Use of Library Resources in Undergraduate Sociology: A Sample Assignment.

LA. suggere que les sociologues vivent et enseignent aujourdhui a « lâge de linformation », dans une periode dexplosion de la connaissance et du volume de la connaissance. Il montre que les sociologues, dans ce contexte, doivent aider les etudiants a gerer et a utiliser les ressources nombreuses de linformation contenues en bibliotheque. Pour lA., cest un moyen de promouvoir un enseignement actif qui permet aux etudiants de comprendre la nature generale de linformation aujourdhui et le phenomene de la croissance des liens entre les domaines de linformation

Owners’ Role in Facilitating Prevention through Design

AbstractExploratory research was performed on a promising safety intervention concept, prevention through design (PtD), also known as designing for construction safety (DfCS). The overall research goal was to increase understanding of the role that owners of constructed facilities can play in adopting PtD on their capital projects. A total of 65 face-to-face interviews and 79 anonymous surveys were completed at four case-study organizations in addition to 103 surveys completed online by members of national construction associations and organizations. Industry survey data indicate that while the majority of owner firm employees had not heard of PtD, they find the concept compelling and do not anticipate significant barriers to its implementation. Key empirical findings indicate that (1)xa0an explicit PtD process is required for implementation; (2)xa0proactive owner leadership and involvement are necessary to initiate PtD on a project; (3)xa0owner leadership is required both to set high expectations for worker sa...

Teaching Demography to Undergraduates: A Pedagogical Dilemma.

n This paper presents a model for an interdisciplinary undergraduate demography course. The course is designed as a seminar in format, drawing on discussion and students participation to articulate key concepts, ideas, and issues. This interdisciplinary model, building on the interrelation between population and some other field, assumes that students will have some prior knowledge of that other field. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching demography provides a forum in which to tie together and synthesize the ideas and information that students glean from other courses in the social and/or natural sciences, with the pivotal role played by vital events and patterns of change. The objectives of the course include 1) developing analytic and interpretive quantitative skills, 2) gaining an understanding of the basic interrelations between population and the environment, and 3) increasing understanding of the similarities and differences between less developed countries and more developed countries. The course is structured around 6 topical units: 1) An Introduction: Population and Its History; 2) Population Processes and Components; 3) Limits to Growth; 4) The Effects of Population on the Environment; 5) The effects of the Environment on Population; and 6) Prospects for the Future: Development of Decline. The objective of an interdisciplinary undergraduate demography course is to provide a forum in which students both learn the substance of demography and learn to integrate this knowledge with that of other fields.n

Owner Perceptions of Barriers to Prevention through Design Diffusion

AbstractPrevention through design (PtD) is an emerging concept for reducing safety hazards and preventing worker injuries and fatalities. Existing literature suggests that diffusion of PtD faces se...