Mid-sized Southern City Research Articles

Using Feedback and Reinforcement to Improve the Performance and Safety of a Roofing Crew

Abstract Two studies were conducted to examine effects of feedback and reinforcement on labor cost and safety behavior among roofers. Participating roofers, or subjects, belonged to one roofing crew. They were employed by a roofing company in a mid-sized southern city. Each day subjects received graphic and verbal feedback on their previous day's performance with respect to a specified goal. Tangible reinforcers were delivered on the days following goal attainment. During the first study, the crew received a monetary reinforcer based on labor savings (i.e., the difference between actual and estimated labor costs) at the end of each week. During the first study, introduction of daily feedback and weekly monetary reinforcers were associated with a 64% labor cost reduction compared to pre-intervention conditions under which workers were paid an hourly wage only. The second study describes a simple, yet reliable, safety checklist used to measure safety behavior among the same roofing crew members described in...

Black homicide in a midsize southern city, 1980–1989

This study examined homicides from 1980–1989 in a midsize southern city (Chattanooga, Tennessee). More specifically, the study examined the homicide rate as it related to age, gender, and race of both the victim and offender, as well as the type of weapon used.

Consumer socialization of preschoolers and kindergartners as related to clothing consumption

AbstractThis study investigated the clothing selections for purchase of preschool and kindergarten‐aged children in a midsized southern city. The theory of consumer socialization provided framework for the study. Seven hundred questionnaires were distributed to parents/ guardians of 3‐, 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐year‐old children at public and private schools and preschools. A total of 314 usable questionnaires were completed by mothers, yielding a 45% response rate. T tests, ANOVA, and frequencies were used to analyze data. The effects of demographic variables were investigated in relation to three consumer socialization constructs. Findings indicated that consumer socialization of children begins at an early age and is related to selected demographic characteristics. Results of this study are important for those involved in the children's wear business, as well as for clothing and retailing educators. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Prenatal Hepatitis B Testing in a Midsize Southern City

Universal prenatal screening for hepatitis B in low-risk populations remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to characterize the obstetric population of the city/county hospital in a midsize southern city. A total of 2013 patients were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody between June 1988 and February 1990, with 1893 negative for both, 105 (5.2%) positive for surface antibody, and 15 (0.8%) positive for surface antigen. Only 25% of the patients with positive results of hepatitis B screening would have been identified by the 1984 Centers for Disease Control risk group criteria, and no other predictive features were identified. We conclude that universal prenatal screening for hepatitis B is indicated in low-risk populations because of the high prevalence and the lack of predictive features.

Sexual Activity among Older Persons

Perceptions of the appropriateness of a variety of sexual behaviors for older persons and individuals in general are compared using data gathered from a stratified, random sample of 210 residents of a mid-sized Southern city. Contrary to our expectations, sexual activity among older persons was not perceived to be less appropriate than sexual activity in the general population.

An Examination of Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz

Palmore's measure of level of information on aging was examined using data gathered from a stratified, random sample of 202 adults residing in a mid-size Southern city. The results suggest that scores are more a function of a stereotype of older persons than of level of knowledge on aging per se. Although this instrument may have other uses, these data indicate that it is inadequate as a research tool in assessing level of knowledge on aging.