Ralph L. Levine

Political efficacy: Enhancing the construct and its relationship to mobilization of people

Political efficacy is a term used to represent an individuals perceived ability to participate in and influence the political system. It has been suggested that political efficacy is composed of two distinct components: internal and external political efficacy (Balch, 1974; McPherson, Miller, Welch, & Clark, 1977). The purpose of this article is to work toward an even broader and more precise conceptualization of political efficacy and its relationship to mobilization of people. Collective political efficacy is proposed as a third component in the political efficacy construct. Research findings presented in the article offer some exploratory information concerning the relationships of this new component with the other political efficacy components. The findings are from a research project that involved the creation of a Homeless Persons Union. In addition to examining relationships among the political efficacy components, findings revealing effects of the intervention are briefly described in order to examine further the role of political efficacy in relation to mobilization of people.

Individual differences in phenomenological experience: states of consciousness as a function of absorption.

State manifestations of the trait of absorption--a trait associated with differential responsivity to hypnosis, meditation, marijuana intoxification, and electromyograph (EMG) biofeedback--were assessed to determine (a) if absorption correlates with various (sub)dimensions of phenomenological experience, and (b) if individuals of differing absorption ability experience different states of consciousness. In two experiments 249 and 304 participants completed Tellegens absorption scale and experienced several stimulus conditions. Each conditions phenomenological state was assessed by means of a retrospective self-report questionnaire and quantified in terms of intensity and pattern parameters. The results indicated that absorption correlated with increased and more vivid imagery, inward and absorbed attention, and positive affect; decreased self-awareness; and increased alterations in state of consciousness and various aspects of subjective experience. In addition, individuals of high absorption ability, relative to lows, experienced a different state of consciousness during ordinary, waking consciousness that became an altered state with eye closure and an hypnoticlike induction. The usefulness of the results for understanding altered-state induced procedures such as hypnosis is discussed.

Statistical and subjective weights. Some problems and proposals

Abstract Problems concerning the use of statistical importance indices as feedback to human decision makers are discussed. A review of studies employing statistical feedback as a means of improving human decisions showed that a variety of indicants of the importance of specific variables have been used. Analysis of several sets of data revealed that there are large differences among these weights particularly when one looks at their absolute values. Future research should include (a) efforts directed toward finding the subjects most “usable” index, (b) definition and simulation of the effect of degree of redundancy among predictor variables, (c) the use of rank order methods of cue importance or simple unit weights, and (d) the use of experimental designs with no feedback groups. Finally, the importance of research directed to an understanding of subjective weights is emphasized.

Dimensions of hunting satisfaction: Multiple‐satisfactions of wild turkey hunting

Abstract Dimensions of hunting satisfaction were studied among a sample of hunters who received permits to hunt wild turkeys in Michigan. Principal components analysis revealed seven dimensions of turkey hunting satisfaction: preparation, search, harvest, nature, out‐group social, companionship, and season. Although some components of turkey hunting satisfaction were similar to those studied previously for deer hunters, components found in this study to be important to turkey hunters’ satisfaction point to the importance of studying hunting groups of diverse species in order to understand more fully the satisfactions people derive from hunting.

Mapping Consciousness: Development of an Empirical-Phenomenological Approach

A methodology for mapping the structure and organization of subjective experience via the retrospective completion of a self-report inventory, the Phenomenology of Consciousness Questionnaire (PCQ), is presented. The development of the questionnaire is discussed along with its refinement by cluster and factor analyses. The usefulness of this approach for mapping subjective experience associated with various stimulus conditions is offered as an unobtrusive and reliable means to quantify states of consciousness phenomenologically.

Organizational entry preferences based upon social and personnel policies: An information integration perspective.

Abstract A general framework for investigating the effect of organizational policies on constituent responses is outlined. An information-processing model incorporating both integration weights and subjective stimulus values was investigated in two studies in which prospective job candidates rated the attractiveness of hypothetical organizations described by policies on (1) pay, (2) individual development, (3) environmental responsibility, and (4) fair employment practices. Results of Study 1 indicated that a linear averaging model adequately described the data, with the dimension of individual development having the greatest effect. Results of Study 2 showed that the relationship between the objective levels of the policies and the desirability responses was curvilinear and appeared to approach an asymptote. Decision-making studies employing regression or self-reported weights are said not to account for this diminishing-returns effect in motivation. In addition, self-reported weights were significantly correlated with the range of subjective stimuli values and not with the subjective integration weights. Also, a number of individual difference measures were found to be related to the indices of information importance. The need to distinguish between information weights and subjective stimuli values is explained.

Quantifying States of Consciousness via an Empirical-Phenomenological Approach

Two hundred and forty-nine subjects, averaging thirty-five to a group, participated in two sessions consisting of two different four minute stimulus conditions. The subjects completed an inventory, the Phenomenology of Consciousness Questionnaire, immediately afterwards in reference to each of these conditions. The questionnaire assessed the phenomenological state associated with each condition in terms of nine different dimensions of consciousness. The results indicated that the phenomenological parameters that define a state of consciousness are stable under several different conditions. Baseline, identity, and altered states of consciousness that are associated with specific stimulus conditions can be defined and differentiated in terms of intensity variations within, and pattern effects among, the dimensions of conscious experience.

Effects of social interaction on eating and drinking in two subspecies of deermice, Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii and Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis

Abstract Pair combinations of Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii and Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis were given access to solid food and water or 8 per cent sucrose. All groups consumed more total calories under separate housing conditions than when the pair was housed together. No differences were found among the three cominations of subspecies, and cage size was not a significant variable. These results suggested testing Zajoncs theory of social facilitation, which states that the intensity of the most salient response increases in the presence of conspecifics at the expense of less probable responses. In the second experiment drinking was made the most salinet behaviour by placing the mice under 23-hr liquid deprivation. Contrary to theoretical predictions social inhibition was again demonstrated.

Dustbathing as a regulatory mechanism

Three mathematical models were developed to describe how some species of birds, such as bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) regulate the amount of oil on their plumage. The models assume that dustbathing plays a significant role in this regulatory process. They differed primarily in their assumptions about the relationship between oiling and dustbathing behavior. Several experiments were run to check on the implications of the models.

A dynamic model of client recruitment and retention in community-based HIV prevention programs.

The study used system dynamics modeling computer simulations to gain a better understanding of the process of delivering small-group, evidence-based HIV prevention programs in the community and to explore implications for public health practice. A model was developed to explain provider-reported challenges associated with recruiting, retaining, and graduating people from small-group workshop programs. The model simulations revealed the difficulty in sustaining high rates of recruitment and retention in small-group programs over time. The model simulations provided insight into what processes may lead to suboptimal numbers of people being recruited and positively influenced by these programs.