Systematic Archiving Research Articles

Social Research and the Study of Mediation: Designing and Implementing Systematic Archival Research

AbstractAs the study of negotiation and mediation has grown rapidly over the last three decades, so have the number of approaches to it. Behavioral scientists of all persuasions bring their ideas and methods to bear on the study of mediation. This paper identifies some of the more significant of these approaches, and argues that many of them are predicated on erroneous, even unrealistic, assumptions. It argues that the best way to conduct research on mediation is to study such behavior in the real, not the simulated, world, and choose data that is directly generated by parties or mediators in conflict. The paper argues for a systematic archival research, and presents the broad outlines of such an approach can be organized and conducted. The findings presented suggest the importance and relevance of this method of research into mediation.

Practical approach to archival and retrieval of analytical data in the laboratory.

Today's analytical laboratory uses a large number of different instruments that are connected in networks. Together with increasing automation, data are produced at a rate that can easily reach gigabytes per month, which generates the problem of systematic archival. In addition, working under Good Laboratory Practice requires that archival of raw data be performed in such a way that they can be readily retrieved upon request, even years later. While systematic archival of data is already performed in most laboratories, it is the retrieval of saved information that is often far from straightforward. This paper describes a simple but systematic approach for both archival and retrieval of data files and related electronic documents. It consists of an unambiguous scheme for the naming of electronic files, an efficient backup strategy, a simple database holding information about any data acquired, and a convenient interface to this database that can be accessed from any workplace while assuring restricted access. The system is capable of handling several databases concurrently and is used in our facility to archive data from several workgroups. The use of freely available software such as the Linux operating system made it possible to implement a fast and stable solution at exceptionally low cost.

A history of sociological research methods in America, 1920-1960

This is the first book on the general history of US sociological research. It provides systematic archival, documentary, and interview data which question conventional views on research methods, developing our understanding of both the history of social thought, and the settings in which social research is produced.

Assessment of seismic intensities resulting from the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake, New Zealand, and implications for modernising the intensity scale

Abstract The intensity of shaking caused by the main shock of the M L 6. 3 Edgecumbe earthquake of 1987, as shown by ground deformation, property damage and the impressions of witnesses, and the distribution of intensities about the epicentre, is compared with expectations based on models assumed by Smith. Agreement with one of Smith's regional models is found to be good outside the epicentral area but less good within it, possibly because of the unusually shallo, depth of the source. Limitations of the Modified Mercalli (MM) scale used to classify seismic intensities in New Zealand are discussed, and the possibility that a change to the Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik (MSK) scale would be advantageous is considered but rejected. Sugge~tions are made for minor revision of the New Zealand versIOn of the MM scale to improve discrimination between intensities X and XI and to allow for changes in building standards since the current version was published. A need for more systematic archiving of intensity data to fa...

An international perspective on large-scale snow studies

ABSTRACT Because of significant physical differences between snow and other naturally occurring substances, snow is not only a valuable resource but it also has significant large-scale effects on weather, climate and the hydrological cycle. A working group of the IAHS International Commission on Snow and Ice (ICSI) has recently reached certain conclusions regarding these effects. In order to study and model the large-scale effects of snow, the standardization of existing ground observation methods, the exploitation of new technologies such as remote sensing, and the systematic archiving of all data are necessary. Various research efforts and international activities have been identified which, when accomplished, should lead to improved understanding and management of the large-scale effects of seasonal snow cover. An international organization should take the lead in promoting an exchange of ideas, techniques, measurements, research results and management strategies on large-scale snow studies.