Social Validity Research Articles

Digital Influencers' Visual Narratives and Algorithmic Power: Identi-ty Construction and Impulsive Consumption on Social Networks

This study explores how visual narratives created by digital influencers, combined with personalized algorithmic recommendations, influence impulsive buying behavior and identity construction on social commerce platforms. Through a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with active social commerce consumers and methodological triangulation was used. The results indicate that impulsive purchases are not merely reactions to visual stimuli, but part of a broader strategy of self-expression and social validation. Additionally, algorithms play an active role in amplifying these behaviors by customizing recommendations that align with consumers’ identity aspirations. The research reveals that impulsive consumption in digital environments is driven by cultural, technological, and social factors, suggesting that social commerce platforms not only facilitate consumption but also serve as spaces for identity experimentation. These findings offer new theoretical insights into the role of consumption in digital identity formation and practical implications for brands seeking to engage consumers in a more authentic and personalized manner.

Motivations behind TikTok content creation among Gen Z expatriates

Abstract This study investigates the motivations behind TikTok content creation among Vietnamese Gen Z expatriates by exploring the interplay of the social comparison theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory in shaping their engagement with the platform. Through qualitative interviews, we uncover the dual role of TikTok in their lives: a tool for fostering social connection and personal expression and a platform for social comparison and validation. These findings illuminate the complex interplay between digital media use and the experience of digital migration, highlighting how Gen Z expatriates navigate transnational identities and seek belonging in an increasingly interconnected world. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digitalization and expatriation, emphasizing the multifaceted role of social media in shaping the experiences of young migrants in the digital age.

Demographics, social norms, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention: a social cognitive perspective on secondary students

PurposeFramed by social cognition theory, this study examines the impact of environmental factors (e.g. social norms) on students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ES) and entrepreneurial intention (EI).Design/methodology/approachWe obtained responses to a survey from 811 senior secondary students in Hong Kong. We then employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypothesis. We removed non-significant parameters in testing the model and obtained the final SEM.FindingsAmong these students, those who were male or spoke English at home showed stronger social norms of entrepreneurship and greater entrepreneurial SE, which was linked to greater EI. Among students perceiving stronger social norms of entrepreneurship, those who lived in private housing or spoke English at school showed greater entrepreneurial intention.Originality/valueThe study provides a new social cognitive perspective for examining EI that emphasizes learning and development through the interaction of environmental and cognitive factors. It supplements previous research by demonstrating the significant influence of social norms and the conditional role of parental influence, adding complexity to our understanding of how these factors' interplay.

Self-created or collaborative? The effects of virtual influencers' identity type and post type on purchase intentions

PurposeConsidering that when endorsing the same product, virtual influencers with different identity types (self-created, collaborative) can have different impacts on consumers' purchasing behaviors, this paper aims to explore how to maximize the impact effects of the VIs' respective identities. It provides companies with new perspectives on endorsement strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe interaction between VI identity type and post type (informational, storytelling) on purchase intention was analyzed in four experiments (N = 1,007), considering informational and normative social influence as intermediate mechanisms and consumer self-construal as moderators.FindingsThe findings show that self-created VI is suited to informational posts and collaborative VI to storytelling posts. This identity-content match effectively triggers the social influence mechanism: informational posts of self-created VI significantly enhance informational social influence. In contrast, storytelling posts of collaborative VI primarily stimulate normative social influence. Consumer self-construal also moderates the process of influencing mechanisms.Originality/valueBased on social influence theory and matching theory, this paper confirms the existence of an interaction between VI identity types, which influences consumers' purchase intention through informational and normative social influence. This finding fills the research gap in the field of VI endorsement strategy. It also emphasizes the importance of consumer self-construal and contributes new insights into the related field.

Understanding Online Discussion Across Difference: Insights from Gun Discourse on Reddit

When discussing difficult topics online, is it common to meaningfully engage with people from diverse perspectives? Why or why not? Could features of the online environment be redesigned to encourage civil conversation across difference? To investigate these questions, we need to explore them in a particular context. In this paper, we study discussions of gun policy on Reddit, with the overarching goal of developing insights into the potential of the internet to support understanding across difference. We use two methods: a clustering analysis of Reddit posts to contribute insights about what people discuss, and an interview study of twenty Reddit users to help us understand why certain kinds of conversation take place and others don't. We find that the discussion of gun politics falls into three groups: conservative pro-gun, liberal pro-gun, and liberal anti-gun. Each type of group has its own characteristic topics. While our subjects state that they would be willing to engage with others across the ideological divide, in practice they rarely do. Subjects are siloed into like-minded subreddits through a two-pronged effect, where they are simultaneously pushed away from opposing-view communities while actively seeking belonging in like-minded ones. Another contributing factor is Reddit's "karma" mechanism: fear of being downvoted and losing karma points and social approval of peers causes our subjects to hesitate to say anything in conflict with group norms. The pseudonymous nature of discussion on Reddit plays a complex role, with some subjects finding it freeing and others fearing reprisal from others not bound by face-to-face norms of politeness. Our subjects believe that content moderation can help ameliorate these issues; however, our findings suggest that moderators need different tools to do so effectively. We conclude by suggesting platform design changes that might increase discussion across difference.

The Essence of Salvation: Exploring Evangelical Perspectives And Practices

This article explores the core doctrines and practices of evangelical Christianity about salvation, highlighting the differences in viewpoints among evangelical theologians and believers. The theological tenets of salvation described are the idea of being “born again” and the significance of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. The idea that salvation is a life-changing event characterized by repentance and a deliberate choice to embrace Christ as Savior, resulting in a revitalized spiritual life, is fundamental to evangelical philosophy. The essay highlights contrasting opinions among evangelical circles regarding predestination, free choice, and the assurance of salvation as it further explores the roles of grace, faith, and works in salvation. Salvation-related customs, including baptism, altar calls, and public testimony, are addressed as manifestations of faith and social validation. It also examines the evangelical focus on evangelism as a moral obligation, with the need to spread the gospel to everyone. The article’s conclusion discusses the problems evangelical views of salvation are currently experiencing, particularly in light of social and cultural changes. It considers how these modifications may affect evangelical outreach and discipleship strategies.

Navigating the Global Dietary Transition and Its Impact on Planetary and Human Health: The Role of Middle-Income Countries

Abstract This case study examines global dietary transitions and their impact on environmental sustainability, nutritional well-being, and socio-economic inequalities, focusing on middle-income countries (MICs) like China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico. As economic expansion, urbanization, and cultural shifts drive changes in eating habits, MICs encounter both advantages and disadvantages. The study explores how socio-economic transformation influences dietary preferences, resulting in increased consumption of processed foods and animal-based products, linked to rising non-communicable diseases and environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. It delves into the influence of cultural heritage and social norms on dietary practices, alongside the impact of Western dietary patterns and media. Additionally, the case study underscores the role of governmental strategies in fostering sustainable and nutritious diets through policies that support local agriculture and public health. It also investigates contributions from the private sector and emphasizes the significance of community-driven and grassroots movements in promoting sustainable dietary habits and reinforcing food security. This study aims to provide insights into the interconnection between dietary transitions, their environmental and nutritional impacts, and the socio-economic drivers and disparities within and across MICs, offering guidance for sustainable development and public health improvement. Information © The Author 2024

Social dynamics of luxury customization: The unique impact of name personalization

AbstractAs customized luxury becomes increasingly mainstream, adhering to a uniform treatment of all types of customization falls short of the nuanced insight needed. Our research focuses on the effects of a prevalent form of customization—name personalization—on the perceived “social cost” associated with luxury items from a potential buyer's point of view. Despite most luxury brands offering consumers the option to imprint their names on products for a personalized touch, concerns arise about being perceived to be “showing off.” Our four experimental studies demonstrate that adding one's name to luxury goods heightens apprehensions about the social cost, specifically diminishing metaperceptions of warmth due to impression management (Study 1). This phenomenon applies to both the imprinting of one's full first name, and only their initials (Study 2). However, luxury consumers with a lower social‐adjustive (i.e., less driven by the desire for social approval) show an elevated concern over the social cost of name personalization (Studies 3 and 4). As the trend of customizing luxury items rises, our findings emphasize the significance of luxury researchers and practitioners to discern both the positive and negative outcomes associated with various forms of luxury customization.

Counterfeit conundrum: Insights into bottom of the pyramid consumer behavior in India

This study uses a phenomenological approach to examine consumption patterns of counterfeit goods by Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) consumers in West Bengal, India. Forty-seven semi-structured interviews conducted with BOP consumers were subjected to thematic analysis. The study revealed four central themes for counterfeit consumption by BOP consumers: counterfeit purchasing patterns, brand recognition and purchase-point selection criteria, and counterfeit brand purchase criteria. Furthermore, this study contributes to the literature by revealing four counterfeit consumption patterns based on the awareness and willingness of BOP consumers. This study has critically analysed the role of neighbourhood retailers in counterfeit consumption at the BOP. Interestingly, this study also pioneered identifying the zone of awareness-indifference formed by normative influence and bounded rationality as coping strategies against vulnerability in the context of BOP counterfeit consumption. The implications of counterfeit consumption for marketers targeting the BOP have been discussed.

Beyond closed doors: Examining consumer reactions to public and private advice

ABSTRACT Frequently transmitted through word-of-mouth (WOM) communications, advice is viewed as a trustworthy source of information by consumers. Marketers value WOM marketing and invest resources to encourage consumer recommendations. Despite the value of interpersonal recommendations for consumers, an important research finding on advice-taking is ego-centric discounting (i.e. the phenomenon where individuals discount offered advice in favor of their own preferences). Prior work has explored mitigating factors of ego-centric discounting including characteristics of the recommender and the decision context. However, the role of interpersonal influence in advice exchange is understudied. This paper delves deeper into the role of interpersonal influence, evaluating how advice utilization is influenced by the presence of other consumers during the recommendation exchange. Across three experiments, we demonstrate that consumers are more likely to rely on advice when the recommendation is made public rather than in private. Moreover, we show that consumers readily integrate public advice in an attempt to appear appreciative for the recommendation (a self-presentation consideration). Finally, this research shows that consumers higher in need for social approval (NSA) rely more heavily on public advice. This research augments literature on consumer advice and highlights public vs. private advice as an essential factor curbing ego-centric advice discounting.

SIA Criteria Compliance of Third Bosphorus Bridge(Yavuz Sultan Selim) Social Impact Assistment

Social, economic, cultural conditions and living systematics that differ according to these, deepen the human-environment relationship. This relationship brings along human’s tendency to the environment through positive or negative activities. Therefore; determining the impact of politics, law, planning and the implementation conditions of these on the environment and human’s health has become crucial. When the environmental impact of the activities in point are determined, it brings forth the possibility to prevent potential damage on the environment. Various impact evaluation systems exist around the world. In our country, Environmental Impact Assestment (EIA), Strategic Environmental Impact Assestment(SEA), Cumulative Environmental Impact Assestment(CIA) and Social Impact Evaluation (SIA) systems are implemented. In the process of project permits in our country, there exists legal regulations which enforce EIA, SEA, CIA. However, there is an absence of social impact evaluation enforcement in the project permission process in Turkey. Even though EIA, SEA and CIA are mandatory in legislation and execution, the social impact of these projects are not stressed adequately. Consequently, even in the existence of mandatory EIA, SEA and CIA by Turkish legislation, foreign investors reinforcing credit on politics, programs, plans and projects do not consider these as sufficient and enforce SIA to be included. There is a lack of standard implementation model to evaluate social impact which could be applied to every project. Due to the weakness and non-existing basic criteria in Turkish legislation on SIA in plans and projects, in this study, the SIA reporting has been prepared by benefiting the social approval criteria and comprehensive studies conducted by certain institutions such as UN, OECD and the World Bank. The sample project bridge, which is the widest bridge in the world with its 52 metre width and “Worlds topmost bridge” in the leaning sling bridge classification with its 322 meter tower height, unites the Asian and European continents to each other. The project with such importance, do not hold EIA, SEA, and CIA reports which evaluates environmental and social impact. The project only holds the SIA report which was conducted in 2013 by international finance institutions and the report was evaluated according to the criteria for social approval. Along with the evaluations on the sample field, suggestions has been set forth for the SIA implementations in Turkey.

Autism Early Intervention - Progress, Steps Backward, and the Reconciliation of Conflicting Narratives.

We review recent research on interventions, services and supports for children on the autism spectrum, examining both advancements and setbacks. Progress has included an increase in quantity and rigor of intervention science, as well as a broadening of disciplines and perspectives engaged in the examination of early interventions, including their effectiveness, social validity and the contextual determinants of implementation outcomes. Setbacks have included the decrease in research involving children on the autism spectrum who have co-occurring profound intellectual disability, minimal or no spoken language, and who require constant assistance with daily living activities. This trend is alarming because it contributes to the marginalization and unmet needs of children who need intervention the most. Additionally, access to early intervention services is unequal and complicated by the misalignment of policy with the evolving evidence base in the field. The recent growth in the depth and breadth of knowledge related to autism early intervention means that policies, practices, advocacy efforts and research directions can be grounded on a more comprehensive evidence base and societal appraisal of autism. Nevertheless, these indisputable markers of success co-exist with conflicting narratives that hinder the establishment of a cohesive agenda to tackle inequities experienced by marginalized subgroups. Reconciliation of conflicting narratives requires a nuanced and compassionate appraisal of sources of tensions and heterogeneity of needs within the autism spectrum.

Policy as normative influence? On the relationship between parental leave policy and social norms in gender division of childcare across 48 countries.

In the present work, we addressed the relationship between parental leave policies and social norms. Using a pre-registered, cross-national approach, we examined the relationship between parental leave policies and the perception of social norms for the gender division of childcare. In this study, 19,259 students (11,924 women) from 48 countries indicated the degree to which they believe childcare is (descriptive norm) and should be (prescriptive norm) equally divided among mothers and fathers. Policies were primarily operationalized as the existence of parental leave options in the respective country. The descriptive and prescriptive norms of equal division of childcare were stronger when parental leave was available in a country - also when controlling for potential confounding variables. Moreover, analyses of time since policy change suggested that policy change may initially affect prescriptive norms and then descriptive norms at a later point. However, due to the cross-sectional nature of the data, drawing causal inferences is difficult.

Effect of Social Norms on Turnover Tax Collection among Micro and Small Enterprises in Meru Town, Kenya

The turnover tax has achieved a significantly low level of tax compliance since its introduction. This research examines social norms' impact on turnover tax collection among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Meru Town, Kenya. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to evaluate the influence of social norms on tax compliance. An Analysis of 367 Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between social norms and tax compliance (β = 0.149, p = 0.007). The report proposed promoting robust tax compliance standards and improving tax education programs via seminars and advertising.

Behavior-specific praise: Enhancing on-task behavior in a rural elementary school

Behavior-specific praise (BSP) is a low-intensity strategy used to reinforce positive student behaviors in school settings. BSP is currently a potentially evidence-based practice, with more studies with three or more participants needed to contribute to the literature base. This study investigated the impact of teacher-delivered BSP on student on-task behavior in an inclusive second grade classroom taught by a general and special education coteacher dyad in a rural Southeast school. Using an A-B-A-B withdrawal design, we observed the on-task behavior of four students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders (EBD) when the coteaching pair increased their rates of BSP after a brief training. All four students increased on-task behavior during BSP intervention conditions. Social validity questionnaires identified a positive impression from three out of four students and both teachers about the implementation of BSP in the classroom. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

‘No woman’s land’: A study of women’s land rights in context of neoliberal dispossession and gender relations in India

Given the complex web of socio-cultural factors, intersectional features of gender identity and the recent trajectories of a lack of land resources, the rise of alternative gainful employment, and a feminization of agriculture, this paper investigates whether land rights are the ultimate panacea for women’s autonomy. Land can be a source of women’s empowerment albeit the patriarchal Indian society restricts women’s right to property. Women in India are not a homogenous category. They are defined by their intersectional identities of caste, class, ethnicity, stages in their life course and subjectivities regarding demands for land. A more nuanced approach to women’s land rights is proposed in view of the agrarian crisis, restricted social validity of women’s land claims and other factors. Research has been conducted including an analysis of various feminist and intersectional debates concerning land rights in India, government reports, legal judgements, and religious text, among others.

Social anxiety in culturally diverse young people: An insight into lived experiences

AbstractObjectivesThere is little research exploring the subthreshold social anxiety (SSA) in culturally diverse young people. This study addresses this gap and provides an insight into the vivid world of this ‘hidden’ population.DesignFour participants from England were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. Four superordinate themes and their corresponding subordinate themes emerged from the transcripts: Excessive self‐consciousness—The inner critic and Feeling judged by others; Influences of social and cultural norms—The impact of dress‐code rules and The pressure of high expectations; Embracing a false reality—Patterns of avoidance and The public self; and Coping strategies—Breaking the wall of cultural norms, Pushing the bubble out and Know that you are not alone. Due to the vastness of the data, this study presents only the first two superordinate themes and their corresponding subordinate themes.MethodsThe author chose interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). This allowed the participants to describe thoroughly their lived experiences and enabled the researcher to adopt a scientific approach.ResultsThe results revealed that the socio‐cultural background of this population played a pivotal role in the prevalence and expression of SSA.ConclusionsThe participants' experiences were significantly influenced by the social and cultural norms of their country of origin as well as the characteristics of modern society in England. The predominant factors were the pressure of high expectations from family and society, transgenerational trauma, socio‐cultural norms, uncertainty about the future and lack of opportunities to secure employment. Future research could examine the socio‐cultural influences shaping contemporary British society and their impact on youth's mental health.

Implementing a Positive Behavior Support Program for Young Children with Autism in Public Agencies: A Social Validity Evaluation from Parents, Practitioners, and Administrators.

Challenging behaviors in young children with autism and intellectual disabilities pose significant barriers to learning and inclusion. The Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC) program is an evidence-based intervention that addresses these behaviors according to Positive Behavior Intervention Support principles. It is essential to assess the social validity of an intervention, when implemented into a public service system, to ensure sustainability and relevance to stakeholders. The present study aimed to document the social validity of PTR-YC from the point of view of three key informants: parents, practitioners, and administrators. Sixty-one participants were interviewed about their experience with PTR-YC (9 administrators, 31 practitioners, and 20 families). Semi-structured interviews assessed three fundamental components of social validity (Wolf, 1978): (a) social relevance of intervention goals, (b) social appropriateness of intervention procedures, and (c) social importance of intervention effects. Participants' responses were subjected to thematic analysis. Intervention goals, namely family participation in the clinical process, strategies that focuses on prevention, and teaching alternative adaptive behaviors, were identified as relevant. Participants appreciated the program's clear, structured, and turnkey clinical process, its parent-practitioner collaboration, and its consistency with practices already in place in the field. Positive instrumental outcomes (e.g., knowledge, competencies, self-efficacy) and ultimate outcomes (e.g., decrease in challenging behavior) of the intervention were reported on children, families, and practitioners. This study represents the first in-depth evaluation of the social validity of PTR-YC in specialized public services for autism and demonstrates its appropriateness for universal implementation in this sector.

Normative influence on intention to segregate household waste: Reflections from a low-middle income city in urban Africa

ABSTRACT Household waste segregation is crucial for better domestic waste management, successful material recovery programs, environmental pollution reduction, and the promotion of circular economies. While prevalent in developed nations, global adoption of household waste segregation is lacking, particularly evident in emerging economies where city authorities grapple with mounting volumes of mixed waste. Our study, conducted in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, surveyed 1,245 households using a multi-stage sampling technique. Employing structural equation modeling, we assessed how descriptive, injunctive, and moral norms influence individuals’ intention to segregate household waste, considering sociodemographic attributes and policy effectiveness. Findings underscore the significance of descriptive and moral norms, affirming their impact on pro-environmental behaviors. The study reiterates the influential role of education, age, and neighborhood characteristics in moderating these norms and recommends the implementation of persuasive policies, like waste-for-cash incentives, backed by logistical support, infrastructure, and public education to foster household waste segregation and elevate waste management practices.

Faculty training in neurodiversity: Stakeholder feedback on social validity and perceived effectiveness

AbstractNeurodivergent students, including autistic students, often benefit from faculty support to navigate college challenges. To better equip faculty in their interactions with neurodivergent students and enhance their understanding, NeuroPREP, a faculty training program was developed. Comprising four 20‐min modules, NeuroPREP addresses key topics including neurodiversity, understanding neurodivergent needs and strengths, effective support strategies (e.g., universal design), and illustrative case studies. An Advisory Committee (N = 10), including faculty, autistic students, and disability support staff, assessed the social validity and perceived effectiveness of NeuroPREP through written forms and virtual sessions. On forms, Committee participants uniformly expressed positive ratings regarding the program's quality (i.e., language, content, impact, and format). Through individual interviews or focus group sessions, the Advisory Committee offered valuable feedback, suggesting improvements such as clarifying definitions, addressing misconceptions and stigmatizing language, and incorporating additional case scenarios. These recommendations informed the refinement of NeuroPREP in preparation for a pilot program. Higher education initiatives informed by stakeholders’ perspectives, like NeuroPREP, are vital for equipping faculty with the tools to foster inclusive educational environments and equitable educational experiences for neurodivergent students. Implications for practice will be discussed.