Contextual Conditioning Research Articles

Post-truth and pathways for evaluators

Post-truth relates to the combination of tactics of influence and opinion manipulation orchestrated by powerful economic and political interests, principally targeting initiatives or ideas with a transformative potential. Post-truth strategies express themselves in multiple tactics, which happen synchronously at varied levels and through different channels. Scientifically valid information is forced to compete with narratives which are designed to create doubt or skepticism. Disinformation weakens efforts to implement policies intended to support transformative goals. The distortion, discrediting, or ignoring of scientific evidence has become a threat to our societies. This article starts by defining the post-truth phenomenon, first discussing the roots, tactics, and contextual conditions supporting its expansion. Then it explores what stance evaluators can adopt to work in this new era where people are polarized and disinformation is widespread. This article aims to raise awareness of this disruptive phenomenon and brings evaluators together to consider promising practices.

Achieving optimal distinctiveness in incubation markets: Hierarchy of needs perspective

As competition intensifies, business incubators face conflicting pressures: the need to conform to market prototypes to gain legitimacy while also differentiating themselves from peers to avoid competition. Optimal distinctiveness (OD) theory explores how organizations manage this pressure to gain legitimacy and achieve superior performance. This study introduces a hierarchy-of-needs perspective to categorize the services provided by incubators into two dimensions: generic service market infrastructure development (MID) addressing basic incubatee needs, and customized service business capability development (BCD) catering to specific needs. We empirically investigate how new private incubators in China strategically position themselves along these dimensions to pursue OD. Furthermore, we discuss the configurational effects of MID and BCD distinctiveness, alongside contextual conditions, identifying four paths to achieving high performance. These findings offer fresh insights into the orchestration view of OD by developing a new categorization of strategic dimensions from a hierarchy-of-needs perspective, as well as elucidating their individual effects and contextual contingencies.

Enhancing the processing advantage: two psycholinguistic investigations of formulaic expressions in Chinese as a second language

Abstract The Holistic Hypothesis asserts that formulaic expressions (FEs) are processed more rapidly than non-formulaic expressions (non-FE items) by both native speakers (NSs) and L2 learners of English. This study utilized an acceptability judgment task and a self-paced reading task to investigate the online processing of FEs and non-FE items among bilingual speakers (L1 English, L2 Chinese) in both contextual and non-contextual conditions. Meanwhile, a familiarity rating task was employed to measure whether there is a familiarity effect in item processing. The results consistently provided support for the Holistic Hypothesis, indicating that learners of Chinese at each level exhibited faster processing of FEs compared to non-FE items, regardless of the presence or absence of context. However, the influence of item familiarity, rather than the proficiency effect, contributed to the improvement of L2 learners’ eventual processing abilities. Distinct patterns also emerged when comparing data from NSs and L2 learners of Chinese, highlighting L2 learners’ more pronounced processing advantage, characterized by faster response times (RTs) to FEs compared to non-FE items. Through an analysis of Chinese L2 data, this study sheds light on the interplay between the usage based approach and chunking within the cognitive approach to L2 learning.

Balancing diets: diverse values shaping sustainable food choices

PurposeThe paper aims to explore how values and knowledge are expressed in student’s discussions about food and health.Design/methodology/approachFood practices present a complex phenomenon extending beyond biomedical descriptions, including social dynamics of food in families and communities. Contextual conditions of social groups and settings have significant impacts on food choices and practices. Although values constitute a central part of educational goals, deliberate values education remains an often-neglected area, with a tendency in both curricula and educational practice to focus on knowledge and overlook how values intersect with knowledge. The paper utilises group interviews supported by participant observations to study the food and health practices as expressed in students' discussions.FindingsThe paper’s findings show how values are expressed together with knowledge as value-knowledges around food and health within the social contexts of family, cultural identities and peer relationships. While moving through their lives, students draw on and utilise biomedical, social-cultural and sensory value-knowledges, simultaneously considering the nutrition and taste of foods, the value of connecting with family and peers in cultural settings as well as getting enough food to feel satiated.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original approach around the necessity to consider and integrate cultural identities in discussions and education about food and health to empower students and their communities in a way that is socially just and equitable. This involves shifting discussions of health education away from students as (ir)rational obstacles but rather as partners in co-creating knowledge for sustainable food and health equity.

Health system reform and path-dependency: how ideas constrained change in South Africa’s national health insurance policy process

Path-dependency theory says that complex systems, such as health systems, are shaped by prior conditions and decisions, and are resistant to change. As a result, major policy changes, such as health system reform, are often only possible in policy windows—moments of transition or contextual crisis that re-balance social power dynamics and enable the consideration of new policy ideas. However, even in policy windows there can be resistance to change. In this paper, we consider the role of ideas in constraining change. We draw on political science theory on the dynamic relationship between foreground ideas (policy programmes and frames) and background ideas (deeply held collective cognitive and normative beliefs) to better understand how ideas exert influence independently of the contextual conditions that give rise to them or the actors that espouse them. To do so, we examine two apparent policy windows in the South African National Health Insurance policy process. The analysis reveals how ideas can become institutionalised in organisations and procedures (such as policy instruments or provider networks), and in intangible cultural norms—becoming hegemonic and uncontested ideas that shape the attitudes and perspectives of policy actors. In this way, ideas operate as independent variables, constraining change across policy windows. While health policy analysts increasingly recognise the influence of ideational variables in policy processes, they tend to conceptualise ideas as tools actors wield to drive change. This analysis reveals the importance of considering ideas (values, norms, and beliefs) as persistent features of the policy-making context that constrain actors.

Mitigating the levee effect – Spatial planning approaches to address residual risk

The levee effect poses a challenge for flood risk management. While there is research on the consequences of the levee effect in general, a detailed understanding of policies addressing residual risk is lacking. The aim of this research is to understand how coercive and cooperative policy designs are applied in spatial planning provisions dealing with residual flood risk and which context conditions influence planning authorities when deciding on a certain policy design. We applied a qualitative research approach, including expert interviews and examining relevant documents. The results show that coercive planning policies can regulate the use of areas with residual risk either by limiting the extension of building land or by prescribing flood adaptation of buildings. However, the formulation of such regulations is connected to the spatial context, the actors involved, past flood events and risk awareness. Cooperative planning policies address residual risk either as recommendations or by providing local authorities scope for decision-making when it comes to land use planning in residual risk areas. The interview partners also discussed possibilities that go beyond spatial planning, such as emergency management. The research shows the variety of policies that can offer ways of dealing with flooding beyond the expected level.

Supply chain integration, competitive strategies and firm performance

Purpose This study aims to examine the interaction between different types of supply chain integration (SCI) and competitive strategies on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach The research method is quantitative. The study develops a structured model and a set of hypotheses based on the related theories. Empirical data is collected in a cross-sectional manner using an online survey to test the model and its hypotheses. The survey comprised standard scales to measure study variables. The scales had high reliability and validity and were commonly used in the literature. The study was conducted on Iranian firms working in steel and auto parts industries. Based on official reports, a total of 305 active companies were found in these two industries. Due to the small population size, all companies in the two industries were contacted for participation. Overall, 84 firms completed the survey. To test the research hypotheses, the authors used hierarchical regression analyses using SPSS 27 software. Findings Results showed that internal integration improves financial performance when firms follow a cost leadership strategy. Differentiation strategy and process integration interact positively and improve operational performance. Type of industry had no significant effect. The results add to the SCI literature by showing that a match between competitive strategy and integration type can influence both operational and financial performance. In total, firms should focus on the appropriate dimension of SCI based on their competitive strategy to improve the performance of the firm. Originality/value The impact of competitive strategy as a moderator on the SCI-performance relationship has not been widely addressed in the literature. In one study, Huo et al. (2014) investigated this relationship using data from 604 manufacturing companies in China. The results provided support for financial performance but not for operational performance. However, the influence of competitive strategies on the SCI performance may vary in different countries and contexts with dissimilar environmental, social and cultural characteristics. As several supply chain scholars have argued, understanding contextual conditions that influence the effect of best practices such as SCI on performance are critical

Flora Tristán and María Nieves Y Bustamante, Two Moments In 19th Century Peruvian Literature

Peruvian literature of the 19th century has important representatives that have been studied by critics. Its contextual conditions are highlighted, especially with two transcendental historical events: the independence of Peru and the War of the Pacific. Flora Tristán published Peregrinaciones de una paria at a time when independence was being consolidated in Peru. Later, María Nieves y Bustamante published Jorge o el hijo del pueblo after the war with Chile. Both writers constitute two creative representations of historical moments of Peruvian society. The first based on a hybrid text: a mix of personal diary, travel chronicle and adventure novel; and the second, as a historical and romantic novel from the late 19th century in Peru. The objective of this essay is to explore the historical representation in the literature carried out by these two writers.

SEMANTIC SPACE OF THE UNIVERSAL MORAL AND ETHICAL CONCEPT ЖАЛІСТЬ/SYMPATHY

The paper deals with the study of the concept ЖАЛІСТЬ/SYMPATHY in Ukrainian and English languages which can be considered rather relevant for the present-day political, economic, social and educational situation in Ukraine because it is the universal, moral and ethical emotion concept which is utilised as the element of war professional propaganda via specific formats and technologies to deliver social and political impact and manipulation on the existing system of social and political views and outlooks. The concept was selected as the basic unit for the analysis because it is defined as the operational memory unit, the mental entity, the result of knowledge objectivisation. Moreover, as the concept functioning relates to specific national context and particular conditions of society existence, it can express its semantic potential and adapt it in accordance with the existing value priorities at a particular stage of society development and cause purposeful influence or even manipulation on its members. The comparison of the semantic spaces of the universal moral and ethical concept ЖАЛІСТЬ/SYMPATHY in Ukrainian and English languages has revealed the fact that this mental unit is determined as important in moral and ethical paradigms in the both languages because it it is stipulated for the basic human antithesis "good/evil". In Ukrainian it relates, to more extent, to emotional feature of moral, ethical value of both humans and any living creatures implying the desire to introduce not only love, pity, weal for others and even an element of empathy. In English it also expresses spontaneous irrational emotional response to any misfortune or disaster, but, at the same time, implies the pragmatic decision-making to render some practical assistance. The results of the study can be used for teaching semiotics, cognitive linguistics or PR technologies.

Contextual pain conditioning protocol design in Humans – a combination of behavioral and physiological measurements using immersive Virtual Reality

Contextual pain conditioning protocol design in Humans – a combination of behavioral and physiological measurements using immersive Virtual Reality

Guiding sustainable growth: The interplay between CEO trustworthiness, managerial ability, and green innovation

AbstractAmidst growing calls for environmentally sustainable practices, this study delves into the nuanced relationship between CEO trustworthiness, managerial ability, and green innovation. Departing from surface‐level examinations, we propose that managerial ability serves as the link between CEO trustworthiness and green innovation initiatives. Moreover, we contend that the influence of CEO trustworthiness on managerial ability is accentuated under specific contextual conditions including higher social capital, crisis situations, and state‐owned firms. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of Chinese firms over 12 years, this study provides robust support for these propositions. Our findings not only offer insights into the essential traits that CEOs should possess to foster competitiveness but also shed light on their role in driving sustainable innovation. By illuminating the intricate dynamics between CEO trustworthiness, managerial ability, and green innovation, our research contributes significantly to the literature offering novel perspectives and enriching the understanding of sustainable development strategies in organizational contexts.

Risk reduction through managed retreat? Investigating enabling conditions and assessing resettlement effects on community resilience in Metro Manila

Abstract. Managed retreat, a key strategy in climate change adaptation for areas with high hazard exposure, raises concerns due to its disruptive nature, vulnerability issues and overall risk in the new location. On-site upgrading or near-site resettlement is seen as more appropriate and effective compared to a relocation far from the former place of living. However, these conclusions often refer to only a very limited set of empirical case studies or do not sufficiently consider different context conditions and phases in resettlement. Against this background, this paper examines the conditions and factors contributing to community resilience of different resettlement projects in Metro Manila. In this urban agglomeration reside an estimated 500 000 informal households, with more than 100 000 occupying high-risk areas. In light of the already realized and anticipated climate change effects, this precarious living situation exposes families, already socio-economically vulnerable, to an increased risk of flooding. The response of the Philippine government to the vexing problem of informal dwellers has been large-scale resettlement from coasts, rivers and creeks to state-owned sites at urban fringes. However, only very few resettlement projects could be realized as in-city projects close to the original living space. The study employs a sequential mixed-method approach, integrating a large-scale quantitative household survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) for a robust comparison of resettlement types. Further, it reveals community-defined enabling factors for managed retreat as climate change adaptation strategy. Results indicate minor variations in well-being conditions between in-city and off-city resettlement, challenging the expected impact of a more urban setting on resilience. Instead, essential prerequisites for resettlement involve reduced hazard exposure, secure tenure and safety from crime. Beyond these essential conditions, social cohesion and institutional support systems emerge as significant influencers for the successful establishment of well-functioning new settlements. With this findings, the study contributes to the expanding body of literature on managed retreat, offering a comprehensive evaluation based on extensive datasets and providing entry points for the improvement of retreat as a climate change adaptation strategy.

Data-driven probabilistic definition of the low energy conformational states of protein residues.

Protein dynamics and related conformational changes are essential for their function but difficult to characterise and interpret. Amino acids in a protein behave according to their local energy landscape, which is determined by their local structural context and environmental conditions. The lowest energy state for a given residue can correspond to sharply defined conformations, e.g.in a stable helix, or can cover a wide range of conformations, e.g.in intrinsically disordered regions. A good definition of such low energy states is therefore important to describe the behaviour of a residue and how it changes with its environment. We propose a data-driven probabilistic definition of six low energy conformational states typically accessible for amino acid residues in proteins. This definition is based on solution NMR information of 1322 proteins through a combined analysis of structure ensembles with interpreted chemical shifts. We further introduce a conformational state variability parameter that captures, based on an ensemble of protein structures from molecular dynamics or other methods, how often a residue moves between these conformational states. The approach enables a different perspective on the local conformational behaviour of proteins that is complementary to their static interpretation from single structure models.

The biased narrative of vulnerable women: gender analysis of smallholder farmers’ contextual vulnerability to climate change in the Taita Hills, Kenya

Climate change is increasing challenges in the agricultural sector for smallholder farmers. A key element in successful formulation of adaptation strategies is the analysis of vulnerability to climate change. This study examines smallholder farmers’ contextual vulnerability to climate change through their perceived vulnerability and focuses on gendered narratives and power structures in the Taita Hills, Kenya. The key methods are semi-structured interviews (N = 28) and a critical discourse analysis. The collected data consists of two-headed household interviews, single-headed household interviews, and key informant interviews with different stakeholders from the agriculture sector. Results indicate that contextual vulnerability can form a baseline for understanding individuals’ possibilities to adapt to changing environmental and climatic conditions. Outcome vulnerability analysis, that treats vulnerability as an endpoint output following mitigation actions, offers highly relevant information, but it is not alone enough for understanding the challenges and possibilities of climate change adaptation. Women and men farmers’ coping and adaptation response strategies did not differ notably, which supports the criticism of the gendered nature of vulnerability discourse. Differences in strategies appeared to be more linked in intersectional aspects between farmers in single-headed and two-headed households. Furthermore, the vulnerable women narrative did not reflect women farmers’ agency and centrality in the agriculture sector. The discourse of climate change adaptation should be corrected towards addressing structural challenges that can place people in a vulnerable position within diverse contextual conditions and intersecting attributes.

Teachers' situated knowledge: Addressing digital exclusion in rural contexts

This study delves into the intricate challenges surrounding incorporating information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education, particularly in regions characterized by digital exclusion, such as rural areas. By recognizing the potential of ICTs to support and expand student learning opportunities, this research explores the necessity for effective implementation through tailored professional development aligned with teachers' contextual conditions and needs. In addressing these challenges, the study explores the concept of technological appropriation, underscoring the significance of individual and contextual elements in adapting ICTs to users' specific needs and environments. Through unstructured face-to-face interviews with 21 teachers immersed in a digitally vulnerable rural context, this research unveils insights into how educators’ appropriate technologies to enhance student learning. The findings of this study contribute to the development of educational practices tailored to rural contexts, focusing on providing a meaningful and effective learning experience for students. By shedding light on teachers' strategies for navigating the digital landscape in challenging environments, the research aims to inform policies and practices that bridge the technological gap, ultimately fostering equitable access and enhanced educational outcomes in rural settings.

Can board of directors’ faultlines improve corporate innovation performance? Evidence from China

Innovation, which is a pivotal force behind the sustained growth of enterprises, has garnered significant attention across various industries. As the epicenter of corporate decision-making, the board of directors plays a pivotal role in allocating resources and overseeing the execution of strategy. Consequently, it inevitably impacts the innovation capabilities of a business. Previous research has focused primarily on single board member characteristics, such as age, gender, tenure, and educational qualifications, overlooking the cumulative influence of multiple attributes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of faultlines arising from the intersection of these characteristics within a board on innovation performance. Using panel data from China’s A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2021, this research constructs a framework to analyze board faultlines based on gender, age, education, director tenure, independence status, and occupational background. A comprehensive examination reveals a positive association between board faultlines and innovation performance, indicating that diversity within a board can foster enhanced innovative outputs. These findings persist even after rigorous robustness tests, including two-stage instrumental variable regression using lagged innovation performance as well as when substituting explanatory variables and sample intervals. Further analysis reveals that the influence of board faultlines on innovation performance is significant only under certain contextual conditions: when equity concentration is low, industry competition is intense, and risk aversion is greater. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing board membership configurations and thus, ultimately, enhancing the innovation capabilities of enterprises.

Caregivers’ profiles based on the Theory of Planned Behavior dimensions and gendered attitudes in a low-income Colombian sampleCaregivers’ profiles based on the Theory of Planned Behavior dimensions and gendered attitudes in a low-income Colombian sample

Caring for children is fundamental for their development. It can, however be hindered by the psychological, economic, and contextual conditions of caregivers. This study assessed caregivers’ profiles in a sample of low-income Colombians (n = 495) based on attitudes toward childcare, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, self-efficacy in childcare, and sexist attitudes. Three profiles were identified: the first profile included caregivers with intermediate scores in attitudes towards childcare and self-efficacy, low sexist attitudes and low subjective norms; the second comprised caregivers with lower attitudes towards childcare, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention, with moderate scores in subjective norms and sexist attitudes; the third profile consisted of participants with the most positive attitudes toward childcare, and with the most sexist attitudes towards caregiving. This study shows caregiver profiles in terms of childcare self-perception, dimensions of the theory of planned behavior, and sexist attitudes toward childcare in a population underrepresented in the literature.

Assessment of research competence in the educational field: an analysis of measurement instruments

There is a growing interest in the acquisition, promotion, and assessment of the competencies necessary for research among university students. However, within the field of educational evaluation, one confronts the complexity of establishing precise measures that inform about the performance of this competence. This study examined the measurement instruments employed to assess the research competence of university students in the educational field. The research followed the PRISMA protocol for conducting systematic literature reviews and performed a critical analysis of the identified measurement instruments. The aspects under investigation included: proposed use, target population, construct’s conceptualization, instrument format, and validity evidence’s generation. Findings indicated that these instruments are employed both to assess the acquisition and mastery of research competence and to evaluate the effectiveness of pedagogical interventions aimed at fostering it. A lack of representativeness of the student population in disciplines with an educational focus was identified. The components and indicators of research competence share a common organization into dimensions spanning from metacognitive skills to contextual conditions within which research is practiced. There was an observed tendency towards the use of questionnaires and a prevalence of traditional approaches in validation procedures.

School-based physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

School closures and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic changed opportunities for youth physical activity (PA). We sought to identify school and other contextual conditions associated with youth PA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 500 parents of children ages 6-10 years old and 500 parent-child dyads with children and adolescents ages 11-17 years old who completed a web-based questionnaire. Quotas and demographic matching were used to generate a sample that was representative of United States adults on key demographic characteristics. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between days per week of at least 60 minutes of PA with school, family, and neighborhood characteristics, controlling for child age and gender. Youth engaged in more days per week of PA when they attended school in person (B=0.75, SE=0.22, p<0.001), participated in school physical education (PE) (B=0.83, SE=0.23, p<0.001), school sports (B=0.98, SE=0.25, p<0.001), and community sports (B=0.68, SE=0.23, p=0.003), and had parents that engaged in high versus low levels of PA, (B=1.22, SE=0.21, p<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted youth PA, in part, due to restriction of school-based PA opportunities. During future pandemics or conditions that necessitate remote learning, attention to opportunities for PA outside of PE class may be important for equitable PA promotion.

Scientists, censorship, and suppression: A combined comparative‐processual analysis of U.S. cases involving chemical and climate change expertise

AbstractAlthough scientific research is often crucial for efforts to achieve improved environmental regulation for industrial products and processes, scientists who document or publicize research on possible risks can face suppression or censorship by industry, government, and other actors. This study contributes to the sociology of science by examining the challenges and responses of environmental scientists in the U.S. in two research areas: toxic chemicals and climate change. Drawing on comparative and processual methods applied to a small‐N, unique data set of cases, the study conducts formal coding of variables for contextual conditions and four general categories of the suppression sequence: triggering circumstances and actions, suppression actions, responses, and outcomes. The first stage of the analysis identifies significant relationships between contextual conditions and the suppression sequence, such as the different forms of suppression that government employees and university professors face. The second stage identifies three composite processual sequences: employment risk for government scientists, records attacks for both government and university scientists, and reputation attacks on university scientists. Together, the two types of analysis advance research by identifying novel relationships in a more systematic way than is accomplished with the standard approach of one or a few cases. The approach also examines the benefits of a mode of comparative analysis that can be more readily connected with theory testing via process tracing at the case level. The practical issue of responding to suppression or censorship is considered, which could be of value to environmental scientists and their partners.