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Purpose: This study investigated the factors contributing to the reduction of plagiarism. It focuses on elucidating the concept of plagiarism, its legal and ethical implications, the punitive measures implemented to address plagiarism and the level of awareness of plagiarism policies. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was administered to 649 students (160 male, 489 female) of the College of Social Sciences at Kuwait University (KU) to investigate the relationships between a number of factors linked to plagiarism, including its definition, legal and ethical implications, understanding of plagiarism regulations and the consequences associated with plagiarism. Findings: The aforementioned factors and underlying causes that contribute to engaging in plagiarism were substantially correlated. Regression analysis revealed that variables such as legal and ethical considerations, familiarity with plagiarism regulations and the existence of sanctions were statistically significant predictors of the factors contributing to the occurrence of plagiarism. Practical implications: The findings can help the Kuwait University administration and similar universities in the region focus on increasing students' awareness of plagiarism and can aid in developing better policies that include the definition of plagiarism and penalties for undertaking this academic misconduct. Originality/value: This study shows universities the importance of increasing students' awareness of academic misconduct and can help create appropriate and robust policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an introduction to a special issue of the journal Oceanography focused on the National Sea Grant College Program and its contributions to enhancing the use and conservation of US coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources. The National Sea Grant College Program is a federal-state partnership aimed at supporting research, education, extension, and outreach to promote the sustainable use and conservation of coastal and Great Lakes resources. The program collaborates with coastal and Great Lakes communities, governmental bodies, industries, and nonprofits to address pressing issues such as coastal erosion, water quality, fisheries management, aquaculture, and climate change adaptation. The special issue covers four focus areas: environmental literacy and workforce development, healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and resilient communities and economies. The program is committed to inclusive engagement, diverse perspectives, and the co-production of knowledge to find sustainable solutions to coastal challenges. [Extracted from the article]

This meta-analysis compared the educational impact of the method of notetaking in the college classroom – hand written or using electronic device. The findings involved 14 studies combining 3,075 participants demonstrated that using electronic notetaking methods reduced measured outcomes (average r = −.142). Using the Binomial Effect Size Display, results indicated a decline of 25% of students scoring below the mean when electronic devices when compared to using handwritten notetaking. The study considers explanations for the decline and makes recommendations about the use of technology for notetaking in the classroom as well as paths for practical and pedagogical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the basic assumptions and practices for meta-analysis as well as describing options and innovations for implementing this tool. Meta-analysis represents a family of techniques with different assumptions and procedures. I discuss some of the ongoing debates and limitations of the methods that continue to receive attention. In an era of "evidence-based" applications and educational material, meta-analysis (in all the forms) represents the best way to reduce Type II error and identify Type I error. Use of the technique provides facilitates the formulation and evaluation theoretical arguments as well as identifying the means to optimally generate future research efforts. The process of meta-analysis takes the scientist back to the future by reminding the community of the original premises that guided the formation of the statistical process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis of the literature examining the outcomes related to feelings of sex guilt was conducted. The analysis demonstrates gendered differences in the experience of sex guilt and myriad attitudinal and behavioral impacts. Specifically, men report lower levels of sex guilt, r = −.227 than do women and implications of sex guilt experience are vast, including its association with engagement in less sexual activity, r = −.337, less favorable attitudes toward sex and lessened use of contraceptives, r = −.276, reduced reports of sexual arousal in response to an explicitly sexual media content, r = −.308, less positive emotional response to sexually explicit media content, r = −.367, reduced level of sexual information accuracy, r = −.324, and less positive attitudes toward sexual behavior, r = −404. Sex guilt is positively related to level of religiosity/religious behavior, r = .439. The findings suggest that sex guilt provides a consistent set of responses to sexual information and media content as well as a motivational basis for behavior. These outcomes are further explicated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From each of four Arabic countries; Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Oman, 150 participants produced handwriting samples which were examined to assess whether national characteristics were discernible. Ten characters, which have different configurations depending upon their position in the word, along with one short word, were classified into distinguishable forms, and these forms recorded for each handwriting sample. Tests of independence showed that character forms used were not independent of country (p < 0.001) for all but one character-position (this was dropped from subsequent analyses). A correspondence analysis ordination plot and analysis of similarity (R = 0.326, p = 0.0002) showed that whole samples were discernibly grouped by country, and a tree analysis produced a classification which was 71% accurate for the original data and 83% accurate for 80 new handwriting samples that underwent 'blind' classification. When the countries were combined into two regions, North Africa and Middle East, the grouping was more marked. Thus, there appears to be some scope for narrowing down the nationality, and particularly the wider geographical region of an author based upon the character forms they use in Arabic handwriting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meta-analysis combines 230 investigations of counterattitudinal advocacy (CAA). The results indicate that CAA efforts are effective. Effect sizes varied little across four different methods of CAA induction (choice, task commitment, publicity, argument source). However, an additive cues model (ACM) demonstrates that as the number of elements increases, so does the size of the change in attitude. The results support the effectiveness of counterattitudinal message generation tasks and compare favorably to traditional persuasive message reception investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neolithic round barrow at Duggleby Howe comprises a substantial mound surrounded by a large causewayed ditch. The mound covers a rich Middle Neolithic burial sequence, as revealed by Mortinier's nineteenth-century excavations, and occupies a position on the northern valley side of the Gypsey Race, near to the stream's source. Following the recent radiocarbon dating of the burial sequence and primary mound building, a small research excavation was undertaken across the ditch of the large, penannular causewayed enclosure that surrounds the mound primarily in order to obtain artefactual and ecofactual material from which to construct a relative and absolute chronology for the ditch sequence(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented that explores the benefits of using a meta-analysis technique when conducting research. It discusses issues related to replication of findings, explores how meta-analysis provides a more quantitative understanding of data and discusses how meta-analysis can provide better evidence on which to base a conclusion. The article also discusses relevant scholarship and literature in the field of meta-analysis.

The article reports on the foot's chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). It mentions that this syndrome is a myoneural ischemia from reversible increase in tissue pressure in myofascial compartments. CECS is underdiagnosed and only reported in anecdotal basis such that clinical signs and symptoms remain broad and diverse, and lack consistency.

This meta-analysis (k = 35, N = 11,629) examines the effect that listening to music, particularly popular music, has on consumers. Results demonstrate that listening to music generates an effect on listeners consistent with the content of the music (average r = .210, k = 35, N = 11,629). This effect was similar when considering survey research (r = .227) or experimental research (r = .265). The tenets of excitation transfer theory received some support, particularly when considering the effects of music as a priming material (r = .399), demonstrating the impact of music as a means of establishing mood, and ultimately the subsequent reactions of individuals. One conclusion is that efforts toward media literacy or education may prove far more productive than media content restrictions when attempting to curb potential undesirable media effects. Additional implications for policy and theory are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the investigations providing data on the connection between measures of sexual arousal and positive psychological affect indicate a positive relationship whether measured directly (r=.212) or by a comparison of manipulation check data (r=.223). Female research participants demonstrate more negative emotional responses than men exposed to the same content (r=-.248), but the level of physiological arousal favors men by a much smaller magnitude (r=.134). The response to pornography on the basis of gender reflects not only a physiological difference in reaction but a psychological interpretation of that reaction as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report uses meta-analysis to derive correlations between the variables of teacher immediacy, cognitive learning, and affective learning. A model was constructed such that the perception of teacher immediacy, a behavior, generates an intermediate outcome of affect, a motivation, which in turn increases cognitive learning outcome. The data across all the included investigations are consistent with that model. The results suggest that high levels of teacher immediacy function as a means of increasing the motivation of a student to learn, and that such motivation increases the cognitive mastery of material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses meta-analysis to summarize the quantitative literature comparing the performance of students in distance education versus traditional classes. The average effect (average r = .048, k = 39, N = 71,731) demonstrates that distance education course students slightly outperformed traditional students on exams and course grades. The average effect was heterogeneous, and the examination of several moderating features (presence or absence of simultaneous interaction, type of channel used in distance education, and course substance) failed to produce a homogeneous solution. The results demonstrate, however, no clear decline in educational effectiveness when using distance education technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a survey of 227 forensics programs about the level of participation by women and minorities are presented. The results demonstrate that gender equity, as indicated by the approximately 50% participation rates seen for both males and females, is evident. About 25% of the participants in forensics are non-European Americans. The number of minority and women participants increases when diversity is used as a criterion to evaluate programs and formal records are kept. Minority participation rates did not differ when comparing debate, individual events, or mock trial activities. Features like the nature of the academic institution (2 or 4-year; primary teaching or research mission; private or public), source of program funding (endowment, student government, college, department, university), and measures of program success were unrelated to the extent of minority participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis examined eleven studies examining the relationship between social skills (communication competence) and whether the person was a sexual offender (rapist, molester, incest offender, pedophile, exhibitionist). After the removal of one study due to methodological reasons, the remaining ten studies provide a homogeneous set of effects demonstrating that sexual offenders possess fewer social skills than nonoffenders (r = .334). Results of the meta-analysis offer insight into the role communication skills plays in understanding the nature of sexual offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on mentorship reviewing. Normally, a manuscript receives three reviews from members of the editorial board evaluating the suitability of a manuscript for publication. The doctoral reviewer served as a fourth reviewer to the process. Doctoral students were recruited using a variety of methods. We would attend conferences and hand information to attract students. The issue of matching the manuscript to the available reviewer pool is obviously a bit difficult. A number of graduate reviewers suffered from the problem of be careful what you wish for, you may be reviewing it. A number of doctoral students found that taking a class in a method or a content area may leave you a bit short when it comes to reviewing a particular manuscript specialized in some very particular area. Mentors received the manuscript, all the reviews and decision letter. This permitted mentors to make comments long after the process of decision. Only evaluate a process by determining if the intent was served or reached.

Discusses standards for publishable rhetorical scholarship. Challenges faced by editors in selecting rhetorical criticism for publication; Comparison of reviewing works about science and the humanities.

This meta-analysis summarizes the available data concerning the impact that the public announcement that Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a National Basketball Association All-Star, had tested positive for HIV. The results demonstrate that the announcement increased the level of accurate knowledge in persons, the number of persons getting tested for HIV, and the desire to obtain more information about HIV and AIDS. For adults the impact of the announcement was to increase the perception of vulnerability while for children/adolescents the announcement diminished the perception of risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-known literature reviews from the 1960s question whether cognitive dissonance underlies experimental participants' selective exposure of themselves to consonant messages and avoidance of dissonant ones. A meta-analytic review of 16 studies published from 1956 to 1996 and involving 1,922 total participants shows that experimental tests consistently support the supposition that dissonance is associated with selective exposure (r = .22, p < .001). Statistical power exceeded .99. Advances in statistical methodology and increased attention to selecting appropriate tests of dissonance theory were essential to finally resolving this question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which compared student satisfaction with distance education to traditional classrooms in higher education. Discussion on meta-analysis as a method for synthesizing literature; Data and methods used; Findings.

Summarizes existing research on behavioral issues for HIV/AIDS education and prevention. Results of examination on how safer sex discussion affected behavior and how gender impacted on the willingness to discuss the use of a condom; Choices after testing HIV positive; Effect of a celebrity's announcement of seropositivity on public health outcomes.

Presents a meta-analysis of quantitative studies containing data concerned with partisan media bias in United States presidential election campaigns since 1948. Gatekeeping bias; Coverage bias; Statement bias; Biases in newspapers, newsmagazines and television networks.

Presents information on a study which analyzed the accuracy of a subjective probability model used to examine the effects of arguments with multiple causes to a person's beliefs. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusions.

Focuses on the debate between the National Association of Scholars and Teachers for Democratic Culture regarding the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1950 to 1960. Characterization of conflict as a mirror image conflict; Description of a mirror image metaphor; Relevance of zero sum as a defining element of the mirror image metaphor.

Analyzes the media effects research that has been published in `Human Communication Research' periodical during the past 25 years via meta-analysis. Enumeration of the findings; Discussion on the direction for future research; Examination on the use of meta-analysis as a tool in research.

Presents a meta-analysis of how critical thinking is affected by differing methods of improving public communication skills. Public speaking class; Argumentation, debate and discussion class; Competitive forensics participation; Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal instrument.

This article focuses on studies that measured the impact of educational briefings in mitigating impacts of sexually explicit material (SEM) in a database of research relating to SEM. The literature search for this review came from an ongoing project to analyze the effects of SEM across a variety of domains. To date, more than 1,500 manuscripts have, been collected. Researchers located, the manuscripts via a manual and computer search of the following indexes from inception to June 1995: Psychological Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, ERIC, Index to Journals in Education, Index to Journals in Communication Studies Through 1985, Comlndex PsychLit and the Public Affairs Information System. A copy of the complete bibliography is available from the first author on request. The literature search involved three steps: first, examination of the title list for the 1,500 articles, second, examination of each of the 1,500 manuscripts, and third, examination of the reference sections of manuscripts. In the first step they independently screened the complete bibliography of manuscripts, searching for those relevant to this investigation. If any reviewer indicated that a manuscript was potentially relevant to the investigation, then the manuscript was included in the analysis.

Presents a meta-analysis of 205 studies to determine whether there are sex differences in self-disclosure. Narrative review; Meta-analysis; Moderator variables; Method; Results; Discussion.

Past research demonstrates equivocal results when considering the relationship between cognitive complexity and cognitive performance. This investigation, using confirmatory factor analysis, tests the relationship between measures of cognitive performance and the Role Category Questionnaire (both traditional and form 40). The findings indicate that both forms of the RCQ are not confounded with measures of cognitive performance. However, cognitive differentiation is correlated with cognitive performance. The findings offer additional evidence that results of previous investigations showing a negative relationship between two descriptions of the RCQ (the "liked" and "disliked" person stimuli of the two-role RCQ protocol) may result from multicollinearity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides some perspectives on the possible uses of meta-analyses. Inclusion of standards that permit evaluation of the worth of any particular meta-analysis; Exploration of choices in meta-analysis.

Examines methods of reducing heterosexual dating anxiety, using a meta-analysis. Significance of dating in the United States; Stress factors associated with dating; Social implication for persons who are anxious about dating; Detailed information on the meta-analysis which was employed.