Search

Copyright of e-Education Research is the property of Northwest Normal University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Assessment of program outcomes in extension often relies on subjective measures, such as perceived or self-reported knowledge, which are criticized for potential bias and inaccuracy. Conversely, objective knowledge, i.e., how much an individual actually knows, is considered more accurate. Studies show varying associations between subjective and objective knowledge, ranging from no correlation to high correlation, and their influence on behavior change also varies. In this study, we aim to quantify the relationship between subjective knowledge, objective knowledge, and behavior change. Data were collected from Master Gardener Volunteer training attendees. We used Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regressions to explore the relationship between subjective and objective knowledge and their influence on behavior, i.e., engagement in gardening practices. Our findings show that subjective and objective knowledge post-training were moderately correlated, indicating that participants' self-assessments were not entirely accurate before training. Interestingly, only subjective knowledge before training predicted engagement in gardening practices after training, highlighting the significant role of perceived understanding in behavior change. Based on the findings, we suggest that extension programs should focus on addressing participants' existing beliefs to foster enduring behavior change. By designing programs that consider these preexisting perceptions, extension can more effectively translate knowledge into practical, lasting behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although waste‐to‐energy (WtE) incineration projects have boosted the economic effectiveness of the waste management system, locals frequently view them with suspicion, opposition, or even outright rejection because of potential environmental and health risks. In this study, by incorporating two additional variables, namely, objective knowledge and benefit perceptions, the planned risk information seeking model (PRISM) was extended in the context of the WtE incineration project. A total of 1726 respondents were interviewed in person. Results from the structural equation modeling indicated that the extended PRISM achieved excellent fits, suggesting the generalizability of the model in these contexts. Objective knowledge and subjective knowledge have a positive and direct impact on perceived knowledge insufficiency. The impact of benefit and risk perceptions on worry is the opposite, with risk perceptions having a greater direct effect on worry. However, compared with risk perceptions, the direct effect that benefit perceptions have on perceived knowledge insufficiency is stronger. Additionally, perceived knowledge insufficiency partially or completely mediates the relationships between all antecedents, except perceived seeking control, and information‐seeking intention. This study suggests that risk managers carefully consider how to establish powerful communication tactics to shape these antecedents when introducing a "not in my backyard" project to the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined students' knowledge of the environmental impact of cotton and polyester along with their intentions to use them for producing apparel. This is the first study to measure both objective and subjective environmental knowledge among students as future industry professionals. A survey was completed by 39 apparel students in the U.S. before and after a four-part project. Results demonstrate that students' objective and subjective knowledge increased significantly after the project. Students demonstrated greater knowledge and types of facts about the environmental impact of cotton and polyester apparel after completing the project (objective knowledge). Moreover, students believed that after the project they knew more about the topic (subjective knowledge). Although intentions to use cotton or polyester fibres did not change for the total sample, there were important differences depending on the assigned position represented in a class debate conducted during the project. The results have important implications for educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend toward planting native and pollinator-friendly plants in residential gardens and landscapes due to concerns about invasive plant species, water conservation, and urban land management. Yet, understanding consumer purchase behavior and how knowledge affects their purchase intent is largely unknown. In this analysis, we integrated national online and in-person surveys to determine the influence of consumers' subjective and objective knowledge of native and pollinator-friendly ornamental plants on their purchase decisions. Factors influencing plant purchase decisions were measured using a 7-point Likert rating scale. We found that participants with relatively higher knowledge of native and pollinator-attractive plants placed more emphasis on sustainable production methods relative to the plant's physical attributes (e.g., plant size, shape, etc.) and care-related characteristics (e.g., plant health, easiness of care, etc.). Plant lovers (i.e., frequent purchasers who spent relatively more money on plants than infrequent purchasers) were more likely to prioritize sustainable production methods over the plants' physical attributes. In contrast, participants primarily buying plants from mass merchandisers/box stores tend to focus on visual appeal or aesthetic characteristics. Consumer marketing implications for the nursery and greenhouse industry stakeholders are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of program outcomes in extension often relies on subjective measures, such as perceived or self-reported knowledge, which are criticized for potential bias and inaccuracy. Conversely, objective knowledge, i.e., how much an individual actually knows, is considered more accurate. Studies show varying associations between subjective and objective knowledge, ranging from no correlation to high correlation, and their influence on behavior change also varies. In this study, we aim to quantify the relationship between subjective knowledge, objective knowledge, and behavior change. Data were collected from Master Gardener Volunteer training attendees. We used Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regressions to explore the relationship between subjective and objective knowledge and their influence on behavior, i.e., engagement in gardening practices. Our findings show that subjective and objective knowledge post-training were moderately correlated, indicating that participants' self-assessments were not entirely accurate before training. Interestingly, only subjective knowledge before training predicted engagement in gardening practices after training, highlighting the significant role of perceived understanding in behavior change. Based on the findings, we suggest that extension programs should focus on addressing participants' existing beliefs to foster enduring behavior change. By designing programs that consider these pre-existing perceptions, extension can more effectively translate knowledge into practical, lasting behaviors.

Carbon offset programs are effective for the hospitality industry to achieve carbon neutrality. Understanding the acceptance of carbon offset programs among hospitality consumers is a decisive starting point and fulcrum for hotels and other lodging establishments to implement such programs. Drawing on the extended parallel process model (EPPM), this study explores the roles of objective and subjective knowledge and perceived government efficacy in hospitality consumers’ acceptance of carbon offset programs. The findings of a questionnaire survey suggested that subjective and objective knowledge positively affect threat variables (perceived severity and perceived susceptibility) and efficacy variables (self-efficacy and response efficacy). Both threat and efficacy variables and perceived government efficacy exert positive and significant impacts on the acceptance of carbon offset programs. Moreover, perceived government efficacy positively moderates the relationships between efficacy variables and the acceptance of carbon offset programs but negatively moderates the relationships between threat variables and the acceptance of carbon offset programs. The findings provide practical implications for hospitality managers and policymakers to facilitate carbon offset programs and achieve carbon neutrality goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation analyzes the curricular losses on the subject of biology caused by current educational reforms, consolidated in the package composed of the National Common Curricular Base, New Secondary Education and the National Common Base for the Initial Training of Basic Education Teachers. In facing this crisis, we seek theoretical support from Historical-Critical Pedagogy, the concept of powerful knowledge and fundamental ideas. The methodological assumptions, in turn, are based on descriptive qualitative research with an emphasis on dialectical and historical materialism, as it allows for the necessary analyzes and deepening, given the imposed complexity. Therefore, we seek to propose a biology curriculum that respects the disciplinary and epistemological specificities of this school subject, that fosters powerful knowledge, and guarantees the right to access objective knowledge by students in public schools. It is understood that only a curriculum that provides this access is capable of guaranteeing educational equity for all students, regardless of their social classes. In this context, the fundamental ideas of biology are used as methodological and constructive propositions of essential content for a curriculum that provides students with their intellectual emancipation. It is concluded that contemporary educational reforms deepen educational and social inequality. Meanwhile, the biology curricular proposal presented points to this decrease, contributing to the understanding of the world and overcoming the commonsense present in the phenomenal appearance of students' daily lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundRadio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are utilized in communications and appliances and are indispensable in daily life. However, some people have concerns about the adverse health effects of RF-EMFs; therefore, effective risk communication (RC) is needed in this field.ObjectiveIn this study, we investigate public attitudes towards RF-EMFs and examine the impact of RC via a website on these attitudes and objective knowledge.MethodsThree web surveys were conducted over 10 weeks with the same participants. The questionnaires were conducted at three different time points with 5-week intervals: baseline survey (T1), RC evaluation survey (T2), and follow-up survey (T3). Participants of T2 were randomly recruited from among those of T1, and participants of T3 were randomly selected from among the T2 respondents. Approximately half of the respondents in each of T2 and T3 were assigned to the control group. Twelve items regarding attitudes toward RF-EMFs and objective knowledge were evaluated in all surveys (T1–T3). After removing low-engagement data, the number of valid answers was 782 in T3. Differences between T1 and T2 (Sub T1-T2) and T1 and T3 (Sub T1-T3) were analyzed. Participant selection was randomized and the authors were blind to this selection until analysis.ResultsFour clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (Non-anxious, 25.0%), Cluster 2 (Anxious, 16.0%), Cluster 3 (Low-interest, 40.5%), and Cluster 4 (High-interest, 18.5%). A decrease in subjective RF-EMF exposure levels was noted in Cluster 2 immediately after website viewing. Temporary increases and decreases in health concerns about RF-EMF usage activities were observed in Clusters 1 and 2, respectively, immediately after viewing. Clusters 1 and 3 showed a temporal decrease in needs for RF-EMF usage activities at T2 but it returned to the baseline level 5 weeks later. Cluster 4 was less responsive to the risk communication. Subanalysis stratified by gender and age showed fluctuations in responses, especially in Clusters 1 and 2.ConclusionWe demonstrate the effectiveness of RF-EMF risk communication via websites, particularly for Cluster 2. The results of this study showed that offering objective and comprehensible information through a website can significantly reduce concerns and perceived risks related to RF-EMFs.

Science plays a central role in propelling social progress and evolution as it serves as a source of knowledge that catalysts innovation and fosters critical thinking. In this essay, the author expounds some reflections that aim to elucidate the nature of scientific knowledge and the limits of what we can comprehend about the physical world. Historically, one of the key questions in the philosophy of science has been whether or not we can truly comprehend everything about the physical world. This enquiry delves into the very essence of scientific knowledge. While scientific discovery is typically the result of planned causal research, historical exceptions to this rule exist. In our pursuit of knowledge, it is essential to differentiate between ‘truth’ and ‘reality’. Ultimately, the historical perspective highlights the importance of ongoing critical reflection and debate within the philosophical theory of human knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Namaa Magazine is the property of Namaa for Research & Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Consumers' knowledge exerts a great impact on their willingness to make purchase decisions. The present research studied the impact of knowledge on perceived risk, perceived value, and intentions to purchase refurbished mobile phones. Data were collected from randomly selected mobile phone users aged 18 to 50 years old and above. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect the data. SPSS and AMOS were utilized for data analysis. The findings indicate a positive influence of previous experience, subjective knowledge, and perceived value on purchase intention. Perceived risk has a negative effect on purchase intentions. Quality knowledge and price knowledge have negative impacts on perceived risk and positive impacts on perceived value. Perceived value is positively influenced by three dimensions of objective knowledge. The theory-based model of this research can be used in future studies on consumer behavior in remanufacturing or closed-loop supply chains. This research provides new findings regarding the influence of knowledge on purchase intention towards remanufactured products.

The doctrine that the content of the conclusion of a deductively valid argument is included in the content of its premises, taken jointly, is a familiar one. It has important consequences for the question of what value valid arguments possess, since it indicates the poverty of three traditional answers: that arguments may and should be used as instruments of persuasion, that they may and should be used as instruments of justification; and that they may and should be used to advance knowledge. The truth is, however, that in each of these cases the argument has only a managerial role and, if there is any work done, it is the premises that do it. It will be maintained that this point has little force against the critical rationalist answer, which I shall defend, that the principal purpose of deductive reasoning from an assemblage of premises is the exploration of their content, facilitating their criticism and rejection. That said, the main aim of the present paper is not to promote critical rationalism but to consider some published objections to the doctrine that a statement asserts every statement that is validly deducible from it. The alleged counterexamples to be considered fall roughly into two groups: statements that emerge with time from a rich mathematical or empirical theory, but were originally unformulated and are deducible from the theory only in a non-trivial way (Frederick 2011, 2014; Williamson 2012); and statements, notably disjunctions, that are easily formulated and are deducible from a theory in a trivial way (Schurz & Weingartner 1987; Mura 1990, 2008; Gemes 1994; Yablo 2014). Each of these counterexamples will be evaluated and dismissed.

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the association between subjective anti-doping knowledge (subjective ADK) and objective anti-doping knowledge (objective ADK) among Japanese university athletes, framed within the context of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).MethodsEligible participants were 486 university athletes [320 men (65.8%), 166 women; mean age of 18.9 ± 1.0 years]. The participants categorized themselves in terms of the quality of their anti-doping knowledge. This assessment resulted in an independent variable coded as “(1) substantial lack of adequate knowledge,” “(2) some lack of adequate knowledge,” “(3) fair amount of knowledge” or “(4) good amount of knowledge.” Objective ADK was assessed using the Athlete Learning Program about Health and Anti-Doping (ALPHA) test, a set of questions derived from the ALPHA—a former World Anti-Doping Agency e-learning program. The test comprises 12 questions (four choices each; passing index: ≧10 points or 80% correct answer rate). ANCOVA was conducted using subjective ADK as an independent variable and ALPHA scores as a dependent variable, adjusting for confounding factors (anti-doping experience).ResultsThe ALPHA corrected answer rate across subjective ADK levels for the group were 73.10% for “(1) substantial lack of adequate knowledge,” 71.97% for “(2) some lack of adequate knowledge,” 75.18% for “(3) fair amount of knowledge” and 72.86% for “(4) good amount of knowledge.” Comparison between different levels of subjective ADK revealed no significant differences in ALPHA score considering the main effects or any of their interactions.DiscussionThe present results revealed that Japanese university athletes’ subjective ADK did not match their objective ADK. In the context of the TPB, there may be limitations in the perceived behavioral control in anti-doping knowledge. Even if athletes view doping as a wrongful act and have formed attitudes and subjective norms to comply with the rules, the results suggest that errors may occur in the composition of behavioral intentions due to a lack of knowledge. This could lead to the possibility of facing the risk of unintentional anti-doping rule violations. It highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to align subjective ADK of athletes with their objective ADK.

Evidence indicates that whole-grain food consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and some cancers. Increasing whole-grain consumption in developing countries is likely to significantly benefit the health of the population. However, there is very limited information on consumer whole-grain knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in developing countries. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1000 South African consumers with sufficient income to make food purchase choices and who were generally representative in terms of gender, age, and ethnicity. Most respondents (64%) were confident of their whole-grain knowledge. However, 60% of all participants selected incorrect definitions of whole grains. Whilst most correctly identified common cereals as whole grains, at most 50% of participants correctly identified common whole-grain foods. Also, whilst most (67%) thought that they were consuming enough whole grains, the majority (62%) underestimated the recommended level of consumption. Furthermore, respondent knowledge regarding whole-grain food attributes and the health benefits of whole-grain consumption was generally poor. Clearly, consumer-focused strategies are needed in developing countries to increase whole-grain food consumption to help the broader population achieve a healthy and sustainable diet. Actions proposed include: simple-to-understand information on whole-grain content relative to recommendations on food product labels, the provision of whole-grain foods in school nutrition schemes, and coordinated social and behavior change communication initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between the financial risk-taking behavior of individual investors and their subjective and objective knowledge. The data come from multiple waves of surveys conducted by the National Financial Capability Study between 2009 and 2018. We hypothesize that subjective knowledge will have a greater association with risk tolerance than objective knowledge of individual investors. Regression models are estimated with least squares as well as with the ordered logit method. Estimation results show that individual investors' risk tolerance behavior is associated more with their subjective knowledge than their objective knowledge. This is true in all four surveys separately and in the combined sample. Additionally, as hypothesized, the relative influence of subjective knowledge on risk tolerance, compared to objective knowledge, increases as the survey periods move further away from the financial recession of 2007–2008. This article has important implications for behavioral and personal finance researchers, financial advisors, and regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identified the major determinants of consumers' attitudes towards organic food, including subjective and objective knowledge, sources of information and socio-demographic profiles of consumers in Lebanon. We used quantitative analysis for data collected from 371 questionnaires in the city of Beirut. The results indicate that consumers have, in general, low confidence in their knowledge of organic food, despite being well informed about it. Whilst objective knowledge has a significant positive effect on consumers' attitudes towards organic food, subjective knowledge has a negative effect. Women are more aware than men about organic food and younger consumers tend to have higher objective knowledge than mature ones. As subjective and objective knowledge and the resulting attitudes of consumers are influenced by sources of information, marketing campaigns and strategies need to emphasize the fact that the attributes of organic food are distinguished from those of conventional foods, using credible information channels. While subjective and objective knowledge of organic food have not been studied previously in our target region, we believe that unlike most previous research which studied the role of knowledge in organic food acceptance and consumption, our study aims to assess and explore this relationship using two different variables (subjective and objective knowledge). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The doctrine that the content of the conclusion of a deductively valid argument is included in the content of its premises, taken jointly, is a familiar one. It has important consequences for the question of what value valid arguments possess, since it indicates the poverty of three traditional answers: that arguments may and should be used as instruments of persuasion, that they may and should be used as instruments of justification; and that they may and should be used to advance knowledge. The truth is, however, that in each of these cases the argument has only a managerial role and, if there is any work done, it is the premises that do it. It will be maintained that this point has little force against the critical rationalist answer, which I shall defend, that the principal purpose of deductive reasoning from an assemblage of premises is the exploration of their content, facilitating their criticism and rejection. That said, the main aim of the present paper is not to promote critical rationalism but to consider some published objections to the doctrine that a statement asserts every statement that is validly deducible from it. The alleged counterexamples to be considered fall roughly into two groups: statements that emerge with time from a rich mathematical or empirical theory, but were originally unformulated and are deducible from the theory only in a non-trivial way (Frederick 2011, 2014; Williamson 2012); and statements, notably disjunctions, that are easily formulated and are deducible from a theory in a trivial way (Schurz & Weingartner 1987; Mura 1990, 2008; Gemes 1994; Yablo 2014). Each of these counterexamples will be evaluated and dismissed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social participation is an important tool in heritage conservation, but levels remain low in developing countries. To increase social-participation awareness of urban-heritage conservation, this study aimed to find an effective method to determine the factors that affect participation awareness, with a focus on the magnitude of each influence. Through literature analysis we developed hypotheses about the factors affecting participation awareness, and then developed a linear regression model. In order to test the reliability of the model, we selected Suzhou as the research object and obtained the following conclusions: (1) Suzhou's social-participation awareness was positively correlated with place identity, urban memory, subjective cognition, objective knowledge, and place identity. (2) The factor that had the strongest impact on Suzhou's place identity was public space, with residence time and community sentiment also influencing place identity. (3) The factors that influenced the urban memory of Suzhou were residence time, urban transformation, and urban events with the most influential factor being lifestyle transformation. (4) Urban-heritage conservation social-participation awareness was higher among Suzhou people living in the old city than in the new city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines consumers' objective knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for brands over different product categories, and investigates whether objective knowledge influences attitudes to CSR, and the relationships between demographics and objective knowledge. The research uses an innovative approach to examining consumer CSR knowledge via (largely) unprompted recall. The analysis uses independent judges to score actual consumer objective knowledge of the CSR of well-known brands against the policies and actions of the brand owner. The research reveals that participants' objective knowledge of CSR was limited or, in many cases, there was no knowledge. Further, the number and type of CSR policies did not influence overall evaluations of CSR. However, where objective knowledge was held, it did positively influence evaluations. The findings of the research direct managerial attention towards improvement of the communication of CSR, including using the research methodology here to evaluate the success of current communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical artificial intelligence (AI) is important for future health care systems. Research on medical AI has examined people's reluctance to use medical AI from the knowledge, attitude, and behavioral levels in isolation using a variable-centered approach while overlooking the possibility that there are subpopulations of people who may differ in their combined level of knowledge, attitude and behavior. To address this gap in the literature, we adopt a person-centered approach employing latent profile analysis to consider people's medical AI objective knowledge, subjective knowledge, negative attitudes and behavioral intentions. Across two studies, we identified three distinct medical AI profiles that systemically varied according to people's trust in and perceived risk imposed by medical AI. Our results revealed new insights into the nature of people's reluctance to use medical AI and how individuals with different profiles may characteristically have distinct knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding medical AI.

A new approach to the study of the structure of universal classification based on the analysis of subordination of hierarchical levels is presented. The proposed method makes it possible to identify violations of hierarchical subordination to exclude possible errors that occur when editing them and supplementing the existing classifications. The solution of these problems harmonizes the classification structure, bringing vertical and horizontal internal links into line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are utilized in communications and appliances and are indispensable in daily life. However, some people have concerns about the adverse health effects of RF-EMFs; therefore, effective risk communication (RC) is needed in this field., Objective: In this study, we investigate public attitudes towards RF-EMFs and examine the impact of RC via a website on these attitudes and objective knowledge., Methods: Three web surveys were conducted over 10 weeks with the same participants. The questionnaires were conducted at three different time points with 5-week intervals: baseline survey (T1), RC evaluation survey (T2), and follow-up survey (T3). Participants of T2 were randomly recruited from among those of T1, and participants of T3 were randomly selected from among the T2 respondents. Approximately half of the respondents in each of T2 and T3 were assigned to the control group. Twelve items regarding attitudes toward RF-EMFs and objective knowledge were evaluated in all surveys (T1-T3). After removing low-engagement data, the number of valid answers was 782 in T3. Differences between T1 and T2 (Sub T1-T2) and T1 and T3 (Sub T1-T3) were analyzed. Participant selection was randomized and the authors were blind to this selection until analysis., Results: Four clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (Non-anxious, 25.0%), Cluster 2 (Anxious, 16.0%), Cluster 3 (Low-interest, 40.5%), and Cluster 4 (High-interest, 18.5%). A decrease in subjective RF-EMF exposure levels was noted in Cluster 2 immediately after website viewing. Temporary increases and decreases in health concerns about RF-EMF usage activities were observed in Clusters 1 and 2, respectively, immediately after viewing. Clusters 1 and 3 showed a temporal decrease in needs for RF-EMF usage activities at T2 but it returned to the baseline level 5 weeks later. Cluster 4 was less responsive to the risk communication. Subanalysis stratified by gender and age showed fluctuations in responses, especially in Clusters 1 and 2., Conclusion: We demonstrate the effectiveness of RF-EMF risk communication via websites, particularly for Cluster 2. The results of this study showed that offering objective and comprehensible information through a website can significantly reduce concerns and perceived risks related to RF-EMFs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yamaguchi-Sekino, Kamegai, Ikuyo, Taki, Onishi and Watanabe.)

Although waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration projects have boosted the economic effectiveness of the waste management system, locals frequently view them with suspicion, opposition, or even outright rejection because of potential environmental and health risks. In this study, by incorporating two additional variables, namely, objective knowledge and benefit perceptions, the planned risk information seeking model (PRISM) was extended in the context of the WtE incineration project. A total of 1726 respondents were interviewed in person. Results from the structural equation modeling indicated that the extended PRISM achieved excellent fits, suggesting the generalizability of the model in these contexts. Objective knowledge and subjective knowledge have a positive and direct impact on perceived knowledge insufficiency. The impact of benefit and risk perceptions on worry is the opposite, with risk perceptions having a greater direct effect on worry. However, compared with risk perceptions, the direct effect that benefit perceptions have on perceived knowledge insufficiency is stronger. Additionally, perceived knowledge insufficiency partially or completely mediates the relationships between all antecedents, except perceived seeking control, and information-seeking intention. This study suggests that risk managers carefully consider how to establish powerful communication tactics to shape these antecedents when introducing a "not in my backyard" project to the local community., (© 2024 Society for Risk Analysis.)

Progress in informatics, computer technologies, artificial intelligence, cognitive sciences stimulated the growing interest in one of the central problems of management and management recently — to decision-making. It is realized that in the conditions of “dynamically developing world”, the new conceptual provisions in understanding of the nature of development and decision-making considering achievements of modern sciences and practice in various industries of life are necessary. All this demands expansion and reformatting of the existing teoretiko-methodological base of the theory of decisions due to inclusion in its context of basic provisions of modern cognitive sciences, the system analysis. The real research uses standard and descriptive approaches. Is result of a research: specification of the concept “management decision”, in the context of cognitive approach which is considered as a type of the objective knowledge expressing intrinsic signs (principles) of functioning of the operated system. The proof emergence of “bad result” is offered at “the brilliant decision” and “good result” at “the trivial decision” which is connected with implementation of the decision. Implementation of the decision is considered as establishment of the sequence of microdecisions which is conducted by the manager on the basis of criteria not only utilitarian and axiological character, but also other. The sequence of microdecisions in the project of implementation of the decision can be determined and accidental. The place and a role accidental in development and design of decisions is specified. Article can be useful to all who deals with issues of the theory and methodology of management.

Base on the view of material monism, this paper explains how quantum mechanics describes the objectivity of the microscopic world. It points out that the challenge posed by the Copenhagen interpretation to the fundamental problem of philosophy is not essential, due to its adoption of the wave-packet collapse hypothesis which is non-unique to implement repeatable measurement. Therefore, the conclusion that matter and consciousness are inseparable is not rigorous either from scientific or from philosophical perspective. With regard to Karl Popper's philosophy of "three worlds", our quantum theory of measurement describes how the multiple observers probe into the micro system to obtain the objective knowledge about the microworld with objective quantum measurements, thus gives an ontological interpretation to the objective knowledge world (World 3) of Popper: the material world (World 1) interacts with the materialized carrier of spiritual perception world (World 2), forming the correlations or entanglements between the two worlds. These correspond to all mental perception including the subjective world. Here, the objective part, which can be defined by the objective quantum measurement, constitutes the objective knowledge world (World 3) of micro system. As the objective knowledge world emerges, the information flows from the material world to the subjective object. The direction of information flow defines the materialized carrier of spiritual perception, that is different from the usual material world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General environmental knowledge is often attributed to positive environmental behaviour; however, a very little is known about how perceived and objective knowledge influences behaviour within the context of SSWM. This study measures people's perceived and objective knowledge on SSWM methods and evaluates which one of these has more impact on participation. A semi-structured survey study was conducted on 400 adults. The results show that 83% of the participants were concerned about solid waste pollution; however, most of them knew very little about SSWM methods. Total participants' scores for perceived and objective knowledge were 63 and 15%, respectively. The disparity between the perceived and objective knowledge was rather unexpected as 70% of the participants had a degree in higher education. Compared to objective knowledge, perceived knowledge had a larger impact on SSWM behaviour. In addition, the participants with perceived knowledge were more motivated to receive education on SSWM than the others. The findings suggest that a sense of understanding related to perceived knowledge positively correlates with public engagement. In conclusion, the environmental educators should develop effective active learning techniques to equip the learners with both types of knowledge focusing more on the perceived one as part of the compulsory education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the opinions of physics teachers on the knowledge and science understanding of high school physics curriculum This study was conducted on a total of 290 high school physics teachers. In this descriptive study with a survey model, the data were obtained with the relevant scale. In the study, the data were analyzed with arithmetic mean and standard deviation, which are among descriptive statistical techniques. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that participating high school physics teachers were not epistemologically a party to a Newton or quantum paradigm, instead, they adopted a holistic common view including both perspectives. In the study, it was considered that these epistemological preferences of teachers could be a conscious choice or they may be associated with the lack of knowledge about epistemology. According to this preference, the participant teachers can be expected to include both objective and subjective knowledge in the physics course in parallel with this understanding. In the study, it was considered that participating physics teachers' preference for subjective knowledge was caused by the fact that they took into account the nature of the current curriculum and that their preference for objective knowledge may also be caused by the fact that they took into account the current central placement exams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Aufklärung: Revista de Filosofia is the property of Aufklarung: Revista de Filosofia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To improve consumers' financial decisions, many policy makers support financial education programs. However, some eligible consumers do not participate, limiting program effectiveness. The authors examine a home-buying and mortgage education website offered to more than 6,000 prospective home buyers, documenting differences in take-up (i.e., who decides to participate) and duration of use by consumers' demographic characteristics, objective knowledge, and subjective knowledge. These analyses rely on a unique data match between surveys measuring consumers' characteristics and clickstream data tracking website use. The results show that older participants and first-time home buyers are more likely to take up the website, but otherwise there is little relationship between observable demographics and take-up. Consistent with enrichment theory, consumers who are more objectively knowledgeable have higher take-up. However, consistent with "feeling of knowing" research, a one-standard-deviation increase in subjective knowledge is associated with approximately a ten-percentage-point decrease in take-up (controlling for other factors). Subjectively knowledgeable consumers also use educational materials for a shorter duration. The findings add to literature on consumer information search and inform policy makers about consumers' use of online financial education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure to relevant social and/or historical events can increase the generation of false memories (FMs). The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a calamity challenging health, political, and journalistic bodies, with media generating confusion that has facilitated the spread of fake news. In this respect, our study aims at investigating the relationships between memories (true memories, TMs vs. FMs) for COVID-19-related news and different individual variables (i.e., use of traditional and social media, COVID-19 perceived and objective knowledge, fear of the disease, depression and anxiety symptoms, reasoning skills, and coping mechanisms). One hundred and seventy-one university students (131 females) were surveyed. Overall, our results suggested that depression and anxiety symptoms, reasoning skills, and coping mechanisms did not affect the formation of FMs. Conversely, the fear of loved ones contracting the infection was found to be negatively associated with FMs. This finding might be due to an empathy/prosociality-based positive bias boosting memory abilities, also explained by the young age of participants. Furthermore, objective knowledge (i) predicted an increase in TMs and decrease in FMs and (ii) significantly mediated the relationships between the use of social media and development of both TMs and FMs. In particular, higher levels of objective knowledge strengthened the formation of TMs and decreased the development of FMs following use of social media. These results may lead to reconsidering the idea of social media as the main source of fake news. This claim is further supported by either the lack of substantial differences between the use of traditional and social media among participants reporting FMs or the positive association between use of social media and levels of objective knowledge. The knowledge about the topic rather than the type of source would make a difference in the process of memory formation.

An interpretive approach to political science provides accounts of actions and practices that are interpretations of interpretations. We develop this argument using the idea of ‘situated agency’. There are many common criticisms of such an approach. This paper focuses on nine: that an interpretive approach is mere common sense; that it focuses on beliefs or discourses, not actions or practices; that it ignores concepts of social structure; that it seeks to understand actions and practices, not to explain them; that it is concerned exclusively with qualitative techniques of data generation; that it must accept actors’ own accounts of their beliefs; that it is insensitive to the ways in which power constitutes beliefs; that it is incapable of producing policy relevant knowledge; and that it is incapable of producing objective knowledge. We show the criticisms rest on both misconceptions about an interpretive approach and misplaced beliefs in the false idols of hard data and rigorous methods.