Sue R. Crull

Adapting Traditions: Teaching Research Methods in a Large Class Setting.

popular task. Social scientists, particularly sociologists, seem to place great value in small classes and group projects, especially in teaching research methods (Longmore, Dunn, and Jarboe 1996; Schutt, Orenstein, and Wagenaar 1987). Longmore, Dunn, and Jarboe (1996) present good suggestions for using group projects in classes of 30 to 60 students which results in six to 12 groups of five students. However, in our department, the sophomore-level research methods class ranges from 70 to 105 students, which would result in 14 to 21 small groups for one instructor to supervise without a teaching assistant. We believe that the group project approach in a large class with only one instructor is difficult to manage and often alienates students. In order to avoid becoming overburdened with group coordination and organization in our large classes, we have adapted the small class traditions using individual mini-projects supported by several small group preproject in-class active learning techniques to effectively teach research methods in a large class setting. To successfully teach research methods in a large class setting, it is paramount to incorporate student-centered learning and to balance active learning with manageable time commitments for the instructor. We

Two Tests of the Housing Adjustment Model of Residential Mobility

AbstractThis paper tests a theoretical microsociological model for the explanation of residential mobility. The theoretical model derives substantial support from two empirical analyses of a causal chain of normative deficits in the residence that affect the level of housing satisfaction, which, in turn, affects the propensity to move. This chain of causation is moderated by the influence of constraining factors that inhibit the perception and salience of deficits, the development of dissatisfaction, the development of a propensity to move and the actual occurrence of residential mobility.

Housing Satisfaction of Households at Risk of Serious Housing Problems

AbstractThe explanatory power of household characteristics, housing conditions, and neighborhood satisfaction on housing satisfaction were investigated by using the 1987 American Housing Survey. Household demographics used to define at-risk households were relatively weak but significant determinants of housing satisfaction. Neighborhood satisfaction and tenure (not being owners) were the most significant determinants of housing satisfaction. Although cost burden was the most prevalent housing problem, inadequate dwelling was the most powerful determinant of housing satisfaction.

Housing Satisfaction of Asian and Pacific Islander Households in the United States

Abstract According to the U.S. Census Bureau there were 12.5 million Asian and Pacific Islanders living in the U.S. in March 2002, accounting for 4.4% of the total population. This research examined the housing satisfaction of Asian and Pacific Islander households compared to non-Hispanic White households. Since many Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. are foreign-born, it was expected that their housing perceptions would be influenced by their experience with housing in their home countries. Using Morris and Winter’s housing adjustment theory, the study investigated the effect of several demographic variables, housing deficits, and neighborhood satisfaction on housing satisfaction. The study also considered two variables with cultural relevance (length of residence in the U.S. and extended family living arrangement) to test their effect on housing satisfaction. Data used for the research came from the 2002 American Housing Survey Metropolitan Sample (AHS-MS) collected from a sample of 13 metropolitan areas. Results revealed that, generally, demographic variables were not significant indicators of housing satisfaction. Two housing deficits (renter status and housing inadequacy) and neighborhood satisfaction were important mediating variables between housing satisfaction and household variables. Length of residence in the U.S. and extended family living arrangement were not significant predictors of housing satisfaction for Asian and Pacific Islanders. There was little difference in the explanation of housing satisfaction for Asian and Pacific Islander households compared to non-Hispanic White households.

Subprime Lending and Reverse Redlining

Abstract This research related broadly to discrimination in mortgage lending and more specifically to subprime lending and reverse redlining. The article discussed subprime lending in the city of Des Moines, Iowa, using the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. The data identified areas of subprime lending and the probability of reverse redlining based on census tracts of the city. Demographic characteristics of the tracts that would indicate reverse redlining were studied in relation to the lending patterns. African-Americans, low-income applicants, and applicants receiving loans for home refinance had a greater probability of becoming victims of reverse redlining than others.

Mobility and Migration: A Comparison of the Decision Making Typology and the Housing-Adjustment Model

AbstractUsing panel data collected in the late 1970s in a small rural city, two approaches to the study of the mover/non-mover dichotomy are compared. The mobility decision-making typology developed by Sell and DeJong (1983) and the model of housing adjustment developed by Morris and Winter (1978) and tested by Crull (1979) are found to show similar results. Both find that satisfaction, housing factors, age and education are significant variables in mobility-migration decisions. Both approaches illustrate that not all movers nor all nonmovers are alike and that there is considerable variation within the dichotomous categories.

Local housing and service decisions: Planning for aging adults in rural communities

Abstract The purpose of this research was to identify factors associated with local housing and service decisions that support aging adults in rural communities. These decisions represent de factostrategies that affect the quality of life of older residents and their ability to age in place. Data were collected from 951 informants in 134 Midwest rural communities. Analyses were undertaken to identify the role of community characteristics in predicting the availability of a group of housing options and support services. Findings support the notion that the community context is important to the delivery of key housing and service needs. Population size, proportion of community residents 65 years and older, and housing planning processes promoted gains in housing and services.

Housing and Economic Vitality in Rural Midwestern Counties

Abstract In response to major restructuring of the economy in Americas Heartland, numerous development policies and programs have been implemented. Often, howeves these efforts have emphasized employment opportunities andpopulation growth, but have not attended to housing needs. In this research, the authors examine the relationship between housing and non-metropolitan county economic vitality. Vitality is an index composed of three variables: per-capita earnings in all industries, per capita personal income, and proportion of persons above poverty. The results of a regression analysis of 1990 data support the argument that housing contributes to county economic vitality. Four housing variables were significant: the proportion of renter-occupied housing and the occupancy rate were positively related to vitality; and the proportion of mobile (manufactured) homes and the proportion of units in structures with 5 or more units were negatively related to economic vitality. Median value of owner-occupied units was not a sign8cant indicator related to vitality. The findings suggest that housing contributes to county vitality in complex and sometimes conflicting ways (e.g., rental housing and high occupancy rates generally add to vitality, but structures with 5 or more units and mobile/manufactured homes do not). The finding that economic vitality in 1980 was the most powerful variable in predicting 1990 vitality indicated that the level of vitality in one decade may continue its influence into the next decade.

Children's Housing Environments: Welfare Families in Iowa

This study uses qualitative data to examine how rural low-income women confront the housing needs of their young children in the midst of changes in public policy. The focus is on the strategies employed and the difficulties faced in the provision of safe, affordable and stable homes. The data are drawn from in-home interviews conducted every 6 months with 13 mothers who were welfare-dependent at the start of the research. The investigation depicts several dimensions of the circumstances of poor children that have not had much previous attention in the literature: serial housing inadequacy and chronic mobility. Several families with children with disabilities reported severe housing deficiencies. This research provides initial evidence of the important role of housing in promoting the goals of family stability and economic self-sufficiency as well as the need to improve health and developmental outcomes for children living in poverty.

Housing Inadequacy and Satisfaction of Black and White Households in Poverty

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of inadequate housing to the quality of life among poverty households in the United States. The 1991 American Housing Survey was used to study the contrasts between white and black households in poverty. Housing satisfaction was used as an indicator of quality of life. Although it has generally been accepted that race is a determinant of housing situation, this research indicates that housing and neighborhood factors are the direct determinants of housing satisfaction. Findings in this study support the hypothesis that being African American increases the likelihood of residing in inadequate housing. Housing satisfaction, however, is not directly influenced by race but rather by housing inadequacy and neighborhood satisfaction, which act as relatively strong intervening variables.