Attitudes Of Different Groups Research Articles

Attitudes towards Disintermediation in Hotel Reservations: Spanish Travellers’ Profile

This paper investigates the attitudes of different groups of travellers for and against the disintermediation of travel agencies. In the travel and tourism sector, the way in which people plan, buy and consume tourism products has been deeply transformed by the Internet and user-generated content (UGC), thus challenging the role of traditional travel agencies. A web-based survey was carried out among Spanish consumers whose last hotel reservation was made through the Internet. A convenience sample of 986 complete questionnaires was obtained. Multivariate tests were used first to analyse the relationship and dependency between socio-demographic variables and second to look for significant differences between occasional, moderate and frequent buyers regarding their positive and negative perceptions of hotel reservations’ disintermediation process. The findings reveal that significant differences exist between online buyers based on their socio-demographic characteristics and their online purchase experience, whereas they do not differ based on their likelihood of being influenced by UGC in their final choices. Another interesting finding is that the Internet is most frequently used for hotel reservations in short-term leisure and short-haul travel. Implications for travel agency managers are discussed and suggestions for further research are made.

Norms of the Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire.

The Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID) has demonstrated good psychometric qualities for measuring the attitudes of different groups of adults in the general population toward intellectual disability (ID). A significant advantage of the ATTID is that it addresses the concept of attitudes using a three-dimensional model (affective, cognitive and behavioural). To our knowledge, there are no normative data published regarding attitudes toward ID on general population-based samples. The sample of 1605 men and women was stratified to be representative of the general adult population of Quebec. The ATTID was administered by phone interview through an independent survey firm. Normative data are presented as percentile scores associated with the raw score of the ATTID by gender and age categories. Analysis of the variance yielded significant differences in attitude by gender and age. The directions and the strength of these associations vary according to each of the five factors used to define attitudes. These norms will provide an essential tool to compare different groups and assess the effectiveness of various public campaigns to encourage more positive attitudes towards persons with ID. These norms would also allow international comparisons.

The Needs for Quality Urban Rail Transit Life in Asian Metropolitan Cities.

The quality of people’s lives in Asia has improved markedly since 2nd World War, with developing economies allowing people to pursue multifaceted lives instead of just working to meet basic physical requirements. In the last 30 to 40 years, urbanization in Asia has led to the emergence of urban rail transit (URT) systems in many cities. URT has become a significant part of city life, and the quality of a city’s URT experience has become a significant social issue. This study aims to comprehensively define a quality URT experience in Asian metropolitan cities using a three-pronged comparison of the URTs in three densely populated Asian cities. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are applied in each of the three aspects studied. The research methods include a case study, a questionnaire, observation, and interviews. The different requirements of diverse groups of users are categorized and a general needs pyramid of a quality URT experience is developed. The multidimensional comparison provides useful references for designers by demonstrating the distinct attitudes of different groups of people. Our understanding of a quality subway experience is based on a needs perspective and focuses on a specific type of public space.

Ставлення до Дня Незалежності України

According to the results of the survey are analyzed attitudes of different groups and strata of the population to the independence of Ukraine, the celebration of Independence Day, the dynamics in the responses regarding support of the independence.

E-learning as innovation: Exploring innovativeness of the VET teachers’ community in Estonia

In this article, the acceptance of e-learning by teachers of vocational secondary and professional higher education institutions (hereafter: VET teachers) in Estonia has been analysed. The analysis is based on questionnaire study, carried out in 2007. The theoretical framework of the article has been inspired by Everett Rogers' innovation diffusion theory. It appears that there exists a statistically reliable difference between innovators and the remaining adopter categories among VET teachers. One can see that in the context of the VET teachers' working environment, a multi-dimensional innovation gap appears, embracing gaps in the actual use of e-learning tools, different types of skills and competences, access and support indicators. The model of innovativeness constructed shows that the competences are predictors of innovativeness. The development of competences related to e-learning (ICT competence, e-learning competence, pedagogical competence) and innovativeness are closely related. It will be argued that while one of the challenges for the developers of e-learning is to provide teachers with relevant continuous training as well as making efforts in developing existing support structures, we can assume that for different adopter categories among teachers different strategies and support schemes should be applied, as the values and attitudes of different groups vary.

Probation Philosophies and Workload Considerations

Researchers have devoted a great deal of attention to understanding the punishment attitudes of different groups. Much of this research has focused on punishment attitudes of members of the public, while a few studies have considered how criminal justice officials perceive different sanctions. This study explores the justifications of probation rated by a sample of probation and parole officers. Attention is given to whether justifications are tied to the way officers rated the importance of different tasks as well as how much time officers reported their agencies devoting to different types of probation and parole activities. The results show some inconsistencies between justifications and work preferences/work activities. Implications are provided.

Attitudes to clinical guidelines—do GPs differ from other medical doctors?

BackgroundClinical guidelines are important for ensuring quality of treatment and care. For this reason, it is essential that clinicians adhere to guidelines. Review studies conclude that barriers to using guidelines...

Beyond the shop: problems and possibilities

PurposeFocusing upon British retailing, the purpose of this paper is to review what is known both about the importance of different supply networks at different points in time, and about the attitudes of different groups of consumers towards these networks.Design/methodology/approachRelying primarily upon secondary sources, the paper discusses the ways in which the literature on retailing beyond the shop has developed during the past 40 years, and particularly during the past ten years or so.FindingsThe paper shows that although it is difficult to delineate the scale and importance of retailing beyond the shop, there is a growing consensus that shops were by no means the sole, or necessarily dominant, source of supply. It shows too that consumers' attitudes towards both commercial and non‐commercial exchanges were complex and sometimes contradictory, with non‐commercial transactions particularly difficult to disentangle and interpret. However, it should not be assumed, it is suggested, that notions of value and ties of reciprocity inevitably fell victim to the growing forces of industrialisation and urbanisation.Originality/valueThe paper adopts a broad chronological perspective and introduces readers to sources, evidence, ideas and concepts that shed light on British retail development and change.

Khomeini and the Iranian Revolution in the Egyptian Press

This essay analyzes how the Egyptian press covered the Iranian Revolution and the Khomeini regime in 1978-81. It discusses which issues related to the revolution and the revolutionary regime were covered, as well as the attitudes of different groups of Egyptian politicians and intellectuals toward the revolution as these found expression in the press. It shows that secular and religious opposition groups differed with each other as much as they differed from the government in their perception of events in Iran.

Designing, Testing, and Validating an Attitudinal Survey on an Environmental Topic. A Groundwater Pollution Survey Instrument for Secondary School Students

Research in environmental attitudes’ assessment has significantly increased in recent years. The development of specific attitude scales for specific environmental problems has often been proposed. This paper describes the Groundwater Pollution Test (GPT), a 19-item survey instrument using a Likert-type scale. The survey has been used with 14–16-year-old Spanish chemistry students to evaluate their attitudes toward groundwater pollution. Reliability is established by estimation of the internal consistency of the scale and by means of test–retest replication. Detailed information on validity is provided by means of exploratory factor analysis. A total of 323 students were involved in the research. The factor analysis revealed three specific factors that comprise environmental attitudes to groundwater pollution: sources and effects of pollution; personal actions and pollution; and awareness of pollution. The GPT is useful for assessing the attitudes of a group of students toward groundwater pollution, comparing the attitudes of different groups, and evaluating changes in attitudes over time or after specific teaching activities. In addition, the GPT can be used to identify differences in water use among students from different cultural backgrounds. Teachers concerned about environmental degradation can design specific tasks to improve students’ understanding of the hazards of groundwater pollution.

Internet experience of Indian customers in passenger car segment

This paper presents the results of statistical analysis to assess the perception, preferences, preparedness and Internet experience of Indian car customers in making purchase decisions. The data were collected from the current and prospective customers of car by structured face‐to‐face interview (1176 respondents). It exhibited the socio‐demographic profiles of the respondents and displayed statistical evidence of availability of Internet among various age and occupation groups and the attitudes of different groups toward Internet shopping. The study reveals that customers often do not get enough information about the features of various car models, the car’s performance, prices, and other such important details from the car dealers and makers. Authorised dealers of one company are the least interested party in disclosing any positive information about their competitors’ product. Thusk, it becomes difficult for the customer to compare products feature‐wise in an informed fashion. There is a big gap between what information customers want and what is being delivered. Customers, in large numbers, would like to have information from unbiased Websites.

Diversity at a dual-medium university: factors affecting first year students' attitudes

South African universities cater for a diverse body of students and dual-medium universities face a particularly daunting challenge. The attitudes of different groups of students towards specific courses, subjects and their studies as a whole should be seen in context. This article examines the concepts of diversity and Language of Teaching and Learning and reports findings regarding the attitudes of different groups of first-year students to various aspects of one course. Three separate problems involving language, enthusiasm for the subject and teamwork seemed to be experienced by different groups of students. Reasons that point to differences between the educational needs of the different groups of students being taught in parallel at dual-medium universities are suggested.

Einschätzung der Eizellspende und der Leihmutterschaft - Abhängigkeit von eigenen Erfahrungen

The aim of the study was to find out the attitudes of different groups towards technologies which are prohibited by the German Embryo Protection Law. We evaluated by using a questionnaire, in how far oocyte donation and surrogate motherhood were accepted in Germany in different groups of the population. 34 infertile patients, 74 patients who asked for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PID), 29 women, who had finished family planning, and 59 medical students were asked for their opinion in a standardized and closed questionnaire. Overall the different groups, especially medical students, were very critical towards oocyte donation and surrogate motherhood. However, to help another couple to conceive a child 68.6 % of PID patients, 62.1 % of infertile patients, 43.2 % of women with finished family planning, and 47.6 % of students were prepared to donate oocytes. On the other hand, only 40.9 %, 40.0 %, 25.9 %, and 13.2 % of PID patients, infertile patients, women with finished family planning and medical students, respectively, would accept oocyte donation for themselves. Regarding surrogate motherhood, the PID group and students were strictly against the idea to be a surrogate mother by themselves. Members of the infertile group as well as those women with finished family planning were more indifferent regarding this question. Students and women with finished family planning, however, would prefer adoption, whilst PID- and infertility groups are more indifferent. Men are more positive towards both techniques as compared to women. As compared to known data from other countries, the acceptance of oocyte donation in all groups and surrogate motherhood is comparable to other European countries, when only PID patients and infertile patients are respected. The other two groups are more critical against surrogate motherhood. To conclude, it becomes apparent how opinions regarding these techniques are influenced by the own situation and experiences.

Einschätzungen der Präimplantationsdiagnostik - Abhängigkeit von eigenen Erfahrungen

Das Anliegen der vorliegenden Studie war es, die Einstellungen verschiedener Personengruppen zur Präimplantationsdiagnostik (PID) empirisch zu untersuchen.

Ethics and entrepreneurs: An international comparative study

In this study, we develop a conceptual framework for the examination of cross-cultural differences in ethical attitudes of business people based on the assumptions of integrative social contract theory (ISCT). ISCT reveals the relevant cultural and economic norms that are predictive of the level of the ethical attitudes among societies and at the same time points out the more subtle impact of social institutions on ethical attitudes of different groups within a society. The evidence supports the use of integrative theoretical approaches within the field of business ethics.

Cancer patients', family members' and professional helpers' conceptions and beliefs concerning death

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of different groups of people towards death, as well as their opinions and beliefs concerning life after death. The study is part of a larger research project in which cancer patients' suffering and coping were under examination. Data were collected in semi-structured focused interviews with 32 patients with incurable cancer, 13 family members, 13 nurses and 13 doctors from two central hospitals and four community health centres. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed by content analysis. Most of the interviewees were not afraid of death. The professionals were slightly more often afraid of death than the patients and the family members. The participants gave many reasons for their opinions. The interviewees were not very interested in reading death-related literature. Only nurses had read a great deal of literature on death. Most of the participants believed in the existence of God and in life after death. The participants had different kinds of conceptions of the events after death. The doctors differed from the other groups in that they read less literature on death and had less faith in God and in life after death.

Attitudes of General Practitioners and Pediatricians to Management of Acute Pyelonephritis in Children

Objective: To study the attitudes of different groups of physicians toward management of acute pyelonephritis in children and the impact of such attitudes on the long-term sequelae of this problem. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire, describing a case history of a child with acute pyelonephritis, was distributed to general practitioners working in 12 primary health care centers and pediatricians working in the pediatric departments of the 6 main hospitals in Kuwait. The responses of the two groups were analyzed regarding their views toward hospitalization of the child, investigations requested, the choice of antibiotics, its route of administration, duration of treatment and the need for long-term follow-up. Results: A total of 83 general practitioners (group A) and 65 hospital pediatricians (group B) responded to the questionnaire. Hospitalization of the child was thought to be essential by 19% of group A compared to 89% of group B (p < 0.0001). Only 25% of group A decided to fully investigate the child compared to 58% of group B (p < 0.0001). Treatment with a single antibiotic was preferred by 72% of group A compared to 80% of group B. Only 6% of group A, compared to 74% of group B favored parenteral antibiotics (p < 0.0001). A 7-day course of treatment was considered by 70% of group A and 52% of group B (p < 0.02). Long-term follow-up was thought to be necessary by 63% of group A and 75% of group B. Conclusion: A marked discrepancy existed in the management of acute pyelonephritis between the two groups, indicating the need of a unified policy. Children presenting with such a problem can be managed by general practitioners on an outpatient basis provided that proper antibiotics are used, compliance is ensured and appropriate investigations and follow-up are provided.

Attitudes of different groups of women in Sweden to oocyte donation and oocyte research

To evaluate attitudes of Swedish women towards oocyte donation and oocyte research. Five different groups of women, with approximately 50 patients in each, were asked anonymously about their attitudes to legislation, tentative roles as donors or recipients, anonymity, suitable donors or recipients, research on fetuses and cadavers as a source of oocytes, age limits and economic aspects. The groups were: 1. Women undergoing IVF treatment (IVF). 2. Infertile women during work-up (INF). 3. Recently delivered women attending a maternity unit (MAT). 4. Women attending a family planning center applying for therapeutic abortion (FPC). 5. Women with Turner's syndrome (TUR). More than 90% of women in all groups investigated advocated amendment of the law in order to permit oocyte donation. The women of infertile groups were more in favor of donating oocytes compared to women of fertile groups (p<0.05). A great majority would prefer anonymity both if they were donors and if they were recipients. If no anonymity was guaranteed, the acceptance of both the donor and recipient groups decreased but more than half of the women in all groups would still donate/accept oocytes. There was a significant difference in attitude towards non-anonymous oocyte donation, with the highest acceptance among Turner patients and the lowest among IVF patients (p<0.01). A majority in all groups were more motivated to donate/accept oocytes from a close relative, with the exception of Turner patients (p<0.01). All groups had a negative attitude to the use of donated fetuses and cadavers as sources of oocytes. IVF patients, close relatives and volunteers were all regarded as suitable donors by a majority of women in all groups. Women of fertile age, with ovarian failure or a genetic disorder, were accepted as recipients by all groups. Postmenopausal women were not accepted as recipients by a great majority in all groups. All groups preferred an age limit for recipients. More than 70% set the limit to the interval 40 to 45 years of age. A majority in all groups believed that donors should be paid to cover medication and loss of income. The recipients were expected, by a majority of women, to pay for some of the costs of the oocyte donation program. A great majority wanted a change in the Swedish legislation to permit oocyte donation. All groups had a generous attitude to donation of oocytes although anonymity would be preferred. Ovarian dysfunction and genetic disorders among women of fertile age were regarded as major indications for oocyte donation. IVF patients, close relatives and volunteers were all regarded as acceptable donors.

Attitudes of different groups of women in Sweden to oocyte donation and oocyte research

Attitudes of different groups of women in Sweden to oocyte donation and oocyte research

Dental aesthetics — a survey of attitudes in different groups of patients

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of various groups of patients towards the appearance of their teeth. Methods: A questionnaire was used which consisted of six background variables and 13 attitudinal statements concerning the appearance of the teeth. The number of responses obtained was 254. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to reveal any statistical associations between the answers to the statements and the background variables. Results: According to the results, the appearance of the teeth was found to be more important to women than to men. For older patients, the appearance of teeth was not as important as for younger patients ( r = −0.144, P = 0.012). Patients with limited education had a greater preference for white teeth than patients with a high level of education ( r = 0.115, P = 0.037). The perception that very white teeth are beautiful decreased with increasing age ( r = 0.112, P = 0.049), and younger patients expressed a greater preference for white teeth than older patients ( r = 0.11, P = 0.050). Conclusion: This study suggests that various groups of patients have different attitudes towards the appearance of their teeth.