Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis Research Articles

The Role of Third Place concerning Loneliness in the Context of Ageing in Place: Three Neighbourhoods in Stockholm

There is an increasing recognition of the impact of built environment in the neighbourhood on healthy ageing, especially in the context of ageing in place. This study examines perceptions of third place and its potential value for mitigating loneliness in older adults. Thirty participants aged 65–89, living in ordinary housing across three neighbourhoods in the city of Stockholm, Sweden, conducted the interview-based sorting procedures, namely, Multiple Sorting Tasks (MST). In each individual MST procedure, the participant was asked to sort twenty pictures into groups using his or her own categories. The data were analysed using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis, integrating qualitative data input and quantitative statistical analysis of the categorisations. Accessible local third places, which facilitate physical activities (especially walking) and community building (meaningful social connections) and provide options for food (a medium for social interactions), were seen as vital resources to combat loneliness. Thus, these places are supportive built environment elements of healthy ageing and ageing in place. The management aspect in third places operated by municipalities, including designing diverse public programs and services, and the service mentality of the staff members play an important role in making these places feel safe, at home, and potentially lessen the experience of loneliness to some extent. This study adds an urban design and planning perspective that can be integrated into environmental approaches to combat loneliness among older adults living in the community.

A multidimensional scalogram analysis of UK acid attacks: exploring the differences and similarities in offending characteristics

PurposeThis study aims to determine whether cases of acid attacks within the UK could be differentiated based on the offence characteristics and motivations.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a multi-dimensional scalogram analysis (MSA) to examine the similarities and differences between the behaviours that were acted out during the 30 cases.FindingsResults found a clear division amongst acid attack offenders through multiple variables, mainly pertaining to whether the attack was predicated and the motivation. This was found to be comparable with instrumental and expressive actions.Practical implicationsThe findings have potential to contribute to psychological theory to categorise and define acid attack offences. This would also greatly assist in suspect prioritisation and other aspects of police investigations.Originality/valueReports of acid attacks within the UK are rising. The motivations behind these offences are predominantly related to gang violence and acts of revenge. However, the current literature around acid attacks has largely focussed on the victim perspective, with little research around offenders and their actions.

Qualitative Structural Theory: A Basis for Decision-Making

The development of analyses of qualitative data that reveal their underlying structure, using the facet framework, are reviewed in the present article. These provide the basis for a general theory of the inherent structure of most qualitative data, an aspect that other approaches typically only allow for with quantitative data. This broadens the application of Facet Theory beyond its usual remit with quantitative measures. It also provides a conceptual model, or “theory,” that combines ordered (modulating) and non-ordered (radial) facets for many different contexts. Results from “qualitative structural theory” (QST) are shown to be open to interpretation as a form of Narrative Action System. Although the power of QST has been illustrated in many areas, in this article three contrasting areas of application are discussed, which each uses a different form of non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS). One is the exploration of variation in the actions of arsonists revealed through Smallest Space Analysis (SSA). A second is the modeling of consumer choice of chocolates using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA). The third is the differentiation of genuine and false claims of rape using Partial Order Scalogram Analysis by Co-ordinates (POSAC). The practical implications of these QST models to assist decision making are briefly discussed.

Suicide risk and social support in Australian resource sector employees: A cross-sectional study.

This study examines the association between suicide risk and social support in Australian resource sector employees. We included 150 participants, who completed the Beck Hopelessness Scale and MOS-Social Support Survey. Data were analyzed using smallest space analysis and multidimensional scalogram analysis. The analysis identified four distinct regions, which were conceptualized as "confiding," "affection," "companionship," and "practical help." All of these components of social support were associated with hopelessness, which has important clinical implications as hopelessness is related to suicide risk. The results of this study also demonstrated that lower levels of social support, and greater sense of perceived hopelessness tended to lead to Australian resource workers seeking assistance from mental health professionals in the previous year. Attention should turn towards providing interventions that promote social support for employees in Australian resource industry.

Carers’ Perspectives on Mental Health Consumers’ Use of Antipsychotic Medication: A Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis

Mental health caregivers commonly have detailed insight about consumers’ lives, and therefore often have developed an understanding of the manner in which antipsychotic medication affects consumers. This study explored caregivers’ perspectives of key factors that influence mental health consumers’ use of antipsychotic medications. The analysis was based on transcripts of interviews which were conducted with caregivers of mental health consumers. Each transcript was categorically coded across 12 variables to generate a series of data profiles. The data set was then analysed using multidimensional scalogram analysis to identify associations between subsets of variables. The findings demonstrated that mental health consumers tended to adhere to prescribed antipsychotic medications despite experiencing troubling side effects. Such adherence occurred when caregivers participated in discussions about medications, and health professionals monitored side effects vigilantly and altered medications to reduce side effects. Also, caregivers were generally unsettled about the impact of medication side effects on consumers’ lives, but conceded that benefits of medications typically outweighed the adverse effects. Further studies are warranted to strengthen the findings of this study.

Understanding advocacy practice in mental health: a multidimensional scalogram analysis of case records

Background: Few studies have examined mental health consumers’ motives for seeking advocacy assistance.Aims: This study aimed to identify factors that influenced mental health consumers’ use of advocacy services.Methods: The analysis was based on 60 case records that were sourced from a community advocacy service. Each record was dichotomously coded across 11 variables to generate a series of categorical data profiles. The data set was then analysed using multidimensional scalogram analysis to reveal key relationships between subsets of variables.Results: The results indicated that mental health consumers commonly reported a sense of fear, which motivated them to contact the advocacy service in the hope that advocates could intervene on their behalf through effective communication with health professionals. Advocates often undertook such intervention either through attending meetings between the consumer and health professionals or contacting health professionals outside of meetings, which was typically successful in terms of achieving mental health consumers’ desired outcome. The resolution of most concerns suggests that they were often legitimate and not the result of a lack of insight or illness symptoms.Conclusion: Health professionals might consider exploring how they respond when consumers or carers raise concerns about the delivery of mental health care.

Apparent intended lethality: Toward a model of intent to harm in terrorist bomb attacks

This article sets out the concept of Apparent Intended Lethality (AIL) with respect to terrorist bomb attacks and explores its measurement through objective behavioral indices. AIL is assessed for 120 bomb attacks carried out by animal rights and anti-abortion extremists in the United States. A wide range of AIL is observed, ranging from hoax attacks to highly lethal attacks. Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA) reveals that single-issue terrorist bombers' intended lethality can be modeled according to three independent dimensions: device strategy, targeting, and pre-event warnings. This model can be used to measure AIL for an individual terrorist attack or an entire terrorist campaign, and can identify cumulative and compensatory lethality strategies. Many have noted the difficulty of assessing terrorist motivations; AIL provides an empirically based assessment of a key facet of terrorist intentions.

When terrorists target schools: An exploratory analysis of attacks on educational institutions

Terrorist attacks on educational institutions have taken many forms: armed assaults, bombings, hostage takings, chemical attacks, and arson. This paper focuses on armed assaults. The frequency of this type of attack on educational institutions has increased sharply since 2003, with the incident rate in 2007 being double that of the previous year. A comprehensive chronology of all armed assaults on educational institutions since 1980 (N = 146) was created with reference to the Global Terrorism Database, and other credible sources. Descriptive reports of each incident were subjected to content analysis according to a series of 16 variables. These variables describe various aspects of the incident including information about who the victim(s) were, where and when the attack took place, and who the offender(s) were. The data set was analysed using traditional inferential statistics illustrating that armed terrorist attacks on educational institutions have increased in lethality, but changed in terms of the main targets. The data were also analysed using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA) to explore inter-relationships between behaviors and identify the underlying dimensions in terrorist attacks on educational institutions. The analysis demonstrates that attacks can be classified on an expressive-instrumental continuum and the implications are discussed.

Comparing the Criminal History Profiles of Serial and Single-Victim Homicide Offenders

Few studies have compared single and serial homicide offenders' criminal histories. To understand more completely how these offenders differ, Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA) is used to compare single and serial homicide offenders' profiles comprised of ten prior offending variables. The profiles of offenders overall co-occurred in four thematic groupings that were differentiated by the type of violent offenses contained in that group and whether the offenses were aimed at people, property, or both. Results additionally showed that most serial offenders had criminal history profiles that were unique from one another and from single offenders. The implications for differentiating offenders are discussed.

A Behavioural Analysis of Terrorist Action: The Assassination and Bombing Campaigns of ETA between 1980 and 2007

This study examines the range of terrorist action employed by ETA and the underlying psychological dimensions that distinguish between the conduct of their two main forms: assassinations and bombings. Descriptive accounts of incidents occurring between 1980 and 2007 are analysed for content and for the similarities and differences between the incidents represented, using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis. The results show that incidents vary according to dimensions of victim targeting. For assassinations, these dimensions are proximity and specificity, whilst bombings vary in the level of intent to harm' and the type of victim. Correlational analysis reveals that the group goes through periods of increased and decreased activity involving all forms of action, rather than displaying a substitution effect between different methods. The implications are discussed.

A multivariate model of police deviance: examining the nature of corruption, crime and misconduct

The current study aimed to explore the multivariate nature of police deviance in order to identify a descriptive model of the features of behaviour that could potentially inform approaches to prevention. Fifty cases were coded from law reports to extract variables describing the deviant behaviour. These were analysed descriptively to obtain frequencies and then statistically using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA) to explore the relationships between the variables. A three-way model similar to Punch's (2000) definition incorporating Police Crime, Noble Cause Misconduct and Corruption was identified, with Police Crime being the most frequent. This typically involved constables committing proactive single criminal offences alone for personal gain. The findings are discussed in terms of explanations for the behaviour and also prevention strategies such as increasing police accountability, (awareness of) consequences and transformational leadership.

Practitioners’ perspectives of multicultural sensitivity

In this exploratory qualitative study we explored issues related to cultural sensitivity among 10 British therapists working in multicultural settings. Our analysis, which combined content and statistical procedures, suggests that knowledge of the client’s core ethnic identity and the degree of adherence to religious or traditional values are the most prominent issues that practitioners take into consideration. Understanding the client’s kinship and migration history were also highlighted as important for a positive therapeutic outcome. Furthermore, therapists strongly indicated knowledge and thus cultural sensitivity is predominantly gained through direct contact with clients rather than gained through additional training and external advice. We used Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA), to obtain two dominant perspectives that we suggest guides multicultural counselling. One approach takes into account specific cultural information. A second acknowledges the significance of cultural and racial issues but gives preference to individual experiences of racism. Therapists’ socio-demographic variables or preferred theoretical perspective didn’t appear to affect the different models outlined. Implications of our findings are discussed.

SOCIAL ATTRIBUTIONS BASED ON DOMESTIC INTERIORS

The paper considers the social attributions people derive from domestic interiors using an open-ended, nonprescriptive methodology. Using 26 photographs of living rooms, chosen to represent a variety of interior styles, 36 participants were asked to classify the rooms in terms of the people they thought might inhabit them, using the Multiple Sorting Procedure. The results show that people are able to derive hypotheses regarding the social and personal aspects of the inhabitants from the design of the room; from the occupants' age, occupation and wealth to their personality, aspirations, hobbies and lifestyles. Analysis of the data using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis shows that the constructs age, social class and family status account for the overall structure of the classifications. The theoretical implications are discussed.

Toward a Model of Terrorist Behavior in Hostage-Taking Incidents

Behavior in terrorist hostage taking is examined using published accounts of 100 incidents of aerial hijack and 60 incidents of barricade siege occurring worldwide over the past three decades. The use of multi-dimensional scalogram analysis demonstrates that behavior in terrorist hostage taking is highly structured. Behavioral similarities between incidents carried out by the same terrorist organization are demonstrated, and the structures underlying the use of resources in barricade siege and the demands issued in aerial hijacking are presented. The implications for theory development and training and decision making in hostage negotiation are discussed.

Is Anyone to Blame? Whom Families and their Therapists Blame for the Presenting Problem

Whom family members blame for their difficulties, and to what extent they blame them, is widely thought to affect their response to those difficulties. In addition, the extent to which parents experience themselves as being blamed by therapists is thought to influence their ability to make use of therapeutic intervention. Yet, despite frequent references in the clinical literature to the need to be sensitive to issues of blame, little attempt has been made to systematically investigate how blame arises naturally in therapeutic encounters. This article develops operational definitions of blame and of exoneration and uses them to undertake an exploratory study into how a sample of 10 families and their systemic therapists attribute blame and exoneration in relation to the presenting problem. Multidimensional scalogram analysis is used to explore how patterns of blame might possibly relate to service uptake. It is argued that as clinicians we may want to hone our sensitivity to the different ways that blame may be invoked in conversation in order to increase our therapeutic efficacy.

The Use of Multidimensional Partial-Order Scalogram Analysis With Base Coordinates (Mposac) in Portraying a Partially-Ordered Typology of City Wards By Social-Medical Criteria [1

L'utilisation du scalogramme multidimensionnel avec ordre partiel sur des scores de base (MPOSAC) pour construire une typologie sur ordre partiel des quartiers d'une ville basée sur des critères sociaux et de santé publique. Les problèmes scientifiques, en particulier dans les sciences sociales, sont très souvent de nature multivariée. Ceci vaut en particulier pour une classe de problèmes de typologie où une population donnée est classée en même temps selon plusieurs critères, chacun étant ordonné selon un ordre valant pour l'ensemble. La nouvelle technique du scalogramme multidimensionnel avec ordre partiel sur des scores de base (MPOSAC) est proposée dans le cas d'une typologie sur ordre partiel de quartiers d'une ville associant des facteurs socio-résidentiels à un problème de santé publique. Les données consistent en un ensemble de sept variables de critères sociaux et trois de taux de pénétration de maladies infectieuses. Chacune des sept variables est ordonnée selon le niveau élevé ou bas de bien-être. Deux dimensions se révèlent insuffisantes pour rendre compte de la typologie partiellement ordonnée et il s'avère que trois dimensions sont nécessaires pour arriver à une solution satisfaisante. Deux dimensions sont prises parmi les variables sociales et servent de coordonnés de bases: il s'agit des variables de "surpeuplement" et "d'absence de toilettes à l'intérieur du logement". La troisième dimension. c'est-à-dire la troisième coordonnée, partitionne un espace à trois dimensions en strates selon le taux de maladies infectieuses.

Facet Theory

This article gives an overview of Facet Theory, a systematic approach to facilitating theory construction, research design, and data analysis for complex studies, that is particularly appropriate to the behavioral and social sciences. Facet Theory is based on (1) a definitional framework for a universe of observations in the area of study; (2) empirical structures of observations within this framework; (3) a search for correspondence between the definitional system and aspects of the empirical structure for the observations. The development of Facet Theory and Facet Design is reviewed from early scale analysis and the Guttman Scale, leading to the concepts of “mapping sentence,” “universe of content,” “common range,” “content facets,” and nonmetric multidimensional methods of data analysis. In Facet Theory, the definition of the behavioral domain provides a rationale for hypothesizing structural relationships among variables employed in a study. Examples are presented from various areas of research (intelligence, infant development, animal behavior, etc.) to illustrate the methods and results of structural analysis with Smallest Space Analysis (SSA), Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA), and Partial Order Scalogram Analysis (POSA). The “radex” and “cylindrex” of intelligence tests are shown to be outstanding examples of predicted spatial configurations that have demonstrated the ubiquitous emergence of the same empirical structures in different studies. Further examples are given from studies of spatial abilities, infant development, animal behavior, and others. The use of Facet Theory, with careful construction of theory and design, is shown to provide new insights into existing data; it allows for the diagnosis and discrimination of behavioral traits and makes the generalizability and replication of findings possible, which in turn makes possible the discovery of lawfulness. Achievements, issues, and future challenges of Facet Theory are discussed.

Facet theory: Its development and current status.

This article gives an overview of Facet Theory, a systematic approach to facilitating theory construction, research design, and data analysis for complex studies, that is particularly appropriate to the behavioral and social sciences. Facet Theory is based on (1) a definitional framework for a of observations in the area of study; (2) empirical structures of observations within this framework; (3) a search for correspondence between the definitional system and aspects of the empirical structure for the observations. The development of Facet Theory and Facet Design is reviewed from early scale analysis and the Guttman Scale, leading to the concepts of mapping sentence, universe of content, common range, content facets, and nonmetric multidimensional methods of data analysis. In Facet Theory, the definition of the behavioral domain provides a rationale for hypothesizing structural relationships among variables employed in a study. Examples are presented from various areas of research (intelligence, infant development, animal behavior, etc.) to illustrate the methods and results of structural analysis with Smallest Space Analysis (SSA), Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA), and Partial Order Scalogram Analysis (POSA). The radex and cyl- indrex of intelligence tests are shown to be outstanding examples of predicted spatial configurations that have demonstrated the ubiquitous emergence of the same empirical structures in different studies. Further examples are given from studies of spatial abilities, infant development, animal behavior, and others. The use of Facet Theory, with careful con- struction of theory and design, is shown to provide new insights into existing data; it allows for the diagnosis and discrimination of behavioral traits and makes the generalizability and replication of findings possible, which in turn makes possible the discovery of lawfulness. Achievements, issues, and future challenges of Facet Theory are discussed.

A multidimensional scaling analysis of the techniques that physiotherapists use.

Following the essentially 'hands-on' origin of the physiotherapy profession a century ago, the range of techniques available to practitioners has expanded considerably. While this expansion of techniques has been of research interest, the main focus has been upon individual techniques, thus neglecting the fundamental question of the use of techniques in combination. In addition, researchers have tended to treat the profession as homogeneous, thus overlooking possible differences in technique usage. The present study addressed these questions. It postulated that ordered combinations of techniques usage would be employed, and that a typology would exist that differentiates the profession according to patterns of use. The study comprised a questionnaire survey of 230 clinical physiotherapists in England. This sought information on the range and frequency of techniques used over the previous six months. Descriptive analysis indicated a high frequency of use of several techniques, notably exercise therapy, passive mobilisation techniques and ultrasound. A feature of the analysis was the use of two multivariate procedures, multidimensional scalogram analysis (MSA) and smallest space analysis (SSA). The SSAs revealed a clear structure concerning combinations of techniques used, and the MSAs provided a coherent typology based upon this usage. One feature of the techniques in combination that emerged was the frequent use of passive mobilising techniques, which was associated with equally frequent use of electrotherapy techniques. In contrast, respondents who employed neurological or respiratory techniques made little use of electrotherapy. Regarding the typology, differentiation of the profession according to use of particular combinations of techniques indicated probable specialisms. The specialist areas identified were neurological physiotherapy, respiratory physiotherapy and musculo-skeletal physiotherapy. The results reinforce the need for both future research and physiotherapy education to address the issue of techniques in combination. Finally, and on the basis of the analyses, elements of a theoretical model are advanced that may provide directions for future research.

Perceptions of the physiotherapy profession: A comparative study

Within the framework of occupational prestige assessment, a study was carried out to determine the standing of physiotherapy relative to a range of professions, including a number from the medical field. The results indicate that physiotherapy possesses an intermediate status, and one that can be broadly equated with that of osteopathy: in fact, the two professions are virtually indistinguishable on most of the dimensions employed in the study. The results also reveal the position of physiotherapy relative to the nursing profession, and to that of medical practitioners. A feature of the study was the comparative analysis of undergraduate physiotherapy students' perceptions of the various professions. While they attribute a higher standing to their own profession than the public group (design students) involved in the study, their perceptions of the nursing and osteopathy professions are, at times, unexpected. Finally, multidimensional scalogram analysis (MSA) was used to provide typologies of the professi...