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This study aimed to investigate the performance of a sample of general practitioner (GP) trainers in the multiple choice paper (MCP) of the Membership Examination of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) and to obtain their views of the content of the paper and its relevance to general practice using a written knowledge test and self-administered questionnaire. The participants were volunteer GP trainers in the Northern, Wessex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) and Northwest deaneries of the UK. The trainers completed a shortened version of an MRCGP MCP paper under examination conditions and provided feedback immediately afterwards. Of 191 trainers invited to participate, 86 (45%) sat the paper and of these, 81 completed the questionnaire. Most trainers believed that the paper assessed knowledge of common or important topics relevant to general practice, that the majority of questions were appropriate, clear and unambiguous and that time pressure was not a problem. Trainers performed significantly better compared to registrars overall, and in questions on medicine related to general practice and practice administration but not research methodology or critical appraisal. They did so without making prior preparation. The findings from this group of trainers lend support to the face validity and content validity of the MRCGP MCP examination as an assessment of applied knowledge of general practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, over 61 million people suffer from symptoms caused by conditions which could be helped by Palliative Care. Physiotherapy is increasingly utilised as part of the multi-disciplinary team in providing Palliative Care, but this is not widely accepted by physiotherapists whose attitudes and beliefs towards it may be framed by the absence of the topic in their undergraduate education. To evaluate the literature relating to the effect of Palliative Care education interventions on the attitudes and beliefs of Physiotherapy undergraduate students. A structured search on Academic Search Ultimate, MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycInfo, Education Source, Communication Source, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, Business Source Ultimate, SocINDEX with Full Text, and Regional Business News was conducted in October 2020. Articles were limited to peer-reviewed journals published in English and involving an educational intervention delivered to pre-qualification Physiotherapy students. Four papers were included which all measured change in attitudes and beliefs. Three papers showed a significant positive change in students' attitudes and beliefs towards PC, and one showing a positive but non-significant change. There was no consensus on the ideal curriculum content, delivery method or time. PC content within the curriculum is still in its formative stages within Physiotherapy education. While there is currently no consensus on the ideal method and format of how it should be delivered, there is some evidence to suggest that it can have a positive impact on Physiotherapy students' attitudes and beliefs towards PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on research conducted within the frame of an international online cooperation between Germany and Israel (CoGI). Diverse, multilingual student groups co-construct multilingual websites on educational initiatives. The aim is to raise prospective teachers' language awareness (LA) and cultural awareness (CA) for cooperation in international contexts. 75 students and five instructors from four different campuses in Germany and Israel took part in the project in 2019. Individual and cooperative learning was combined with online and face-to-face as well as student conference learning. A mixed-method approach was used to investigate the effects of the 10-week cooperation with respect to the emergence of LA and CA as well as perceived language proficiency. The results show a significant increase in participants' perceived English language proficiency and CA. The qualitative analyses give evidence of co-constructive group cooperation which revealed LA and CA in the process of negotiating shared understanding. The study highlights the importance of international online cooperation in teacher education. Dieser Beitrag berichtet über ein Forschungsprojekt, das im Rahmen einer internationalen Online-Kooperation zwischen Universitäten in Deutschland und Israel (Cooperation Germany Israel: CoGI) durchgeführt wurde. Kulturell und sprachlich diversifiziert zusammengesetzte Studierendengruppen ko-konstruieren mehrsprachige Websites zu einem von ihnen selbst gewählten Thema im Rahmen einer zwingend notwendigen Bildungsinitiative. Ziel ist es, Language Awareness, LA, und Cultural Awareness, CA, bei den zukünftigen Lehrkräften im Rahmen einer internationalen Kooperation zu fördern. 75 Studierende und fünf Lehrende von vier verschiedenen Hochschulen in Deutschland und Israel nahmen 2019 an dem Projekt teil. Individuelles und kooperatives Lernen wurde mit Online- und Face-to-Face-Lernen sowie mit Studierendenkonferenzen kombiniert. Mit einem Mixed-Method-Ansatz wurden quantitative und qualitative Daten erhoben, um mögliche Wirkungen der zehnwöchigen Zusammenarbeit in Bezug auf die Entstehung von Language Awareness und Cultural Awareness sowie eine mögliche Änderung der subjektiv wahrgenommenen Sprachkompetenz zu untersuchen. Die Ergebnisse belegen einen signifikanten Anstieg der von den Teilnehmenden subjektiv wahrgenommenen englischen Sprachkenntnisse und von Cultural Awareness. Die qualitativen Analysen belegen die Entstehung ko-konstruktiver Gruppenkooperation, in welcher bei der Aushandlung eines gemeinsamen Verständnisses Language Awareness und Cultural Awareness eine tragende Rolle zukommt. Die Studie unterstreicht die Bedeutung internationaler Online-Kooperationen in der Lehrkräfteausbildung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores positive and negative attitudes towards the inclusion of children with disabilities in schools among primary and secondary school teachers in Trinidad via qualitative methods. Data is collected from 15 primary and secondary school teachers using semi-structured interviews and constant comparison analysis is employed to identify the themes. Among the teachers in the positive attitude category, two themes emerged, namely humanistic beliefs and recognition of benefits indicating the existence of a philosophy of inclusiveness. For teachers in the negative attitude category, two distinct themes emerged corresponding to limitations for children with and without disabilities and the lack of support for inclusion. The findings indicate the need for professional development for in-service teachers and the urgency for a compulsory pre-service programme for new teachers in Trinidad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-border regions are often deemed laboratories for initiatives to increase Europeanization. Our paper examines the German-speaking Community of Belgium in the Euregio Maas-Rhine to assess the relevance of everyday cross-border activities to the perception that living in a border region presents a unique opportunity to feel and think as a European. Departing from the assumptions of both Deutsch's transaction theory and Allport's contact hypothesis, we analyze Eurobarometer data (population-level surveys) and use data from focus groups with regional MPs. Results from quantitative data analysis suggest that perceptions of life in cross-border regions are positively influenced by frequent cross-border movement (functional dimension) as well as general trust in other people (emotional dimension). Our qualitative data from focus groups support the findings from the quantitative analysis and demonstrate further that it is not merely the quantity but the quality of contacts that contribute to a gradual 'growing together'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education institutions globally, are increasingly driven to integrate innovative technologies in teaching spaces. While many studies have been conducted on e-learning, blended learning and m-learning, only a few studies have concentrated on the STEM preservice teachers' e-readiness for using online multimodal teaching methods in developing economic contexts. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay of experiences, attitudes and technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) self-efficacy as they influence STEM preservice teachers' e-readiness for implementing online multimodal teaching. This paper employed a descriptive online survey method and a stratified random sampling technique to collect data from 204 final-year STEM preservice teachers on a teacher training programme in South Africa. Statistical tools of confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis, bivariate and correlation analysis were employed on the collected data. The results revealed that STEM preservice teachers have positive attitudes towards multimodal online learning. However, STEM preservice teachers do not feel confident in using multimodal online resources in their teaching. In addition, this paper found that experiences of online multimodal teaching impacted on preservice teachers' attitudes and resultantly, STEM preservice teachers' TPACK self-efficacy. The results and discussions inform the design for improvement in online multimodal teaching methods e-readiness and usage by preservice teachers. Recommendations include resource support, alignment of teacher training curricula and development of practicum practices for overall improvement of preservice teachers' experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The destiny of the electric vehicle (EV) marketplace will depend upon the behaviour of potential buyers and on how emerging markets allow EVs to be perceived as a mobility solution to the externalities generated by internal combustion (IC) vehicles. To this end it is important to ascertain the role played by psychological factors, along with instrumental attributes, especially among younger adults (future purchasers) in not yet mature markets. Our paper analyses and models the propensity to purchase an EV with respect to an equivalent IC vehicle. It contributes to the existing literature investigating younger adults' behaviour in an emerging market, focusing on the role of attitudes and perceptions. A stated preferences survey, built on real commercial scenarios (Renault ZOE vs Renault Clio), was designed and disseminated at the University of Cordoba (Argentina). Respondent behaviour was modelled within the random utility paradigm. First, heterogeneity among users was investigated through mixed multinomial logit formulation; The role of psycho-attitudinal factors was then explored through the specification of hybrid choice models with latent variables. Estimation results indicate the significant role of attitudes and perceptions in emerging markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translanguaging refers to the communicative practices that go between and beyond defined linguistic systems. In language learning, it can be applied by helping learners access their whole linguistic and semiotic repertoires, thus enhancing language acquisition. This paper draws on quantitative data provided by language teachers of both elementary and secondary education in Greece through an online survey, in order to study their attitudes and practices towards translanguaging in the classroom. A combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling was applied. The findings indicate that the majority of participants found translanguaging beneficial. Moreover, participants incorporate translanguaging practices quite often, while they encourage students' translanguaging slightly less often, and there is a small positive correlation between attitudes and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports results from a quantitative curriculum study on literature modules in Austrian undergraduate teacher education programmes. In order to optimise course delivery in literature classes at the University College of Education Upper Austria (PHOÖ), reading habits and attitudes of 153 first-year EFL students for secondary school education were assessed in an online-questionnaire. The questionnaire examined students' exposure to literary texts, their self-assessment as avid readers, their performative literacy, and their preferred reading stance. Results show rather limited avid reading, a self-centred performative literacy as well as a profoundly pragmatic reading stance. Such habits and attitudes could not only jeopardise success within the current teacher education study programmes but also aggravate the well-known Peter Effect, rendering prospective EFL teachers incapable of inspiring enthusiasm for literary reading in their future students. After discussing these results, the paper concludes with potential ramifications for curricular revisions as well as avenues for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, accessibility – i.e. the ease of reaching destinations – has been an important concept in transport planning, resulting in many studies trying to measure it and put it into practice. Also walkability, a mode-specific type of accessibility referring to how easy it is to walk (to destinations) received increased attention in the last two decades. In recent years, a new focus has been on how people perceive their accessibility as this may be a stronger predictor of travel behaviour than objective elements of accessibility (such as built environment characteristics). Perceived walkability, i.e. how walk-friendly people experience a certain area, however, has only been explored by a limited number of studies. In this review paper, we give an overview of existing studies analysing perceived walkability, which mostly have focused on its effects on walking frequency/duration, physical activity and various aspects of mental well-being. Based on this literature review, a conceptual model is created, emphasising the determinants and effects of perceived walkability and how it is related to objective walkability. We end this paper by providing avenues for further research, including the introduction of a Short Perceived Walkability Scale (SPWS) and recommendations for data collection and analysis. Doing so can create new insights into perceived walkability and links with related elements, and therefore can contribute to stimulating walking trips and improving the experience of these trips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rising linguistic heterogeneity in schools, the inclusion of pupils with a first language other than the language of instruction is one of the major challenges of education systems all over the world. In this paper, attitudes of in-service teachers, pre-service teachers and parents towards the inclusion of pupils with a first language other than the language of instruction are examined. Additionally, as the paper focused on how the participants perceive the development of this pupils in different school settings (fully included, partly included, fully segregated). Data from 1501 participants were investigated. Descriptive results showed that pre-service teachers' attitudes towards the inclusive schooling of pupils with different language skills in composite classes were rather positive, while attitudes of in-service teachers and parents rather tend to be neutral. Regarding the results concerning the participants' attitudes towards the pupils' development in different school settings, all three sub-groups belief that pupils with German as first language would develop in a more positive way, compared to pupils without German as first language. Moreover, the migration background of pre-service teachers and parents had a positive influence on the participants' attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have investigated attitudes toward gambling using the Attitudes Towards Gambling Scale (ATGS), however, their findings have not previously been synthesized or systematically reported. Thus, we conducted a systematic literature review on studies employing the ATGS to summarize the current evidence. Database searches were conducted in January 2022 in Cinahl, Embase, PsycInfo, Pubmed, Web of Science, GreyNet, and Google Scholar. Papers were included if they presented data based on the ATGS and were published in a European language. Twenty-six papers presenting the results from 23 unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. Most of the studies were cross-sectional and used the short (8-item) version of ATGS. The synthesis indicates an overall incline towards negative attitudes. More positive attitudes were associated with being male, younger age, and higher gambling frequency. Studies were divergent in findings concerning problem gambling and gambling attitudes, which could be due to variance in problem gambling severity in the samples. The current evidence base is encumbered by limitations in study quality and designs. Future research should emphasize longitudinal designs, include non-western samples, and investigate the directionality and causality of variables associated with attitudes towards gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many alien tree species were introduced into grassland ecosystems in South Africa by the commercial forestry industry for paper and timber for furniture. Over decades some of these introduced species escaped into neighbouring farms and community land. Adult trees from these alien species now provide other ecosystem services, notably fuelwood. Depending on the spatio-temporal context, many of these species can also negatively affect ecosystem services. We collected interview data from commercial and communal farmers in the upper Umzimvubu catchment in South Africa to compare farmers' knowledge and perceptions of invasive wattle species invasion and their associated ecosystem services and disservices. Fuelwood and fencing poles were the most common uses of wattle by commercial (83%; 67%) and communal (99%; 49%) farmers. On the other hand, the reduction of grass cover and loss of grazing land were the most commonly mentioned negative impacts of wattles by commercial (83%; 75%) and communal (92%; 80%) farmers. Although both groups recognise the importance of wattles in providing ecosystem services, most communal farmers perceived wattles to have more negative effects than benefits. The findings demonstrate that both farmer groups highly depend on ecosystem services and are affected by disservices of wattles. However, while large-scale commercial households favour the presence of wattles in the landscape, communal households prefer complete removal of the wattles from the landscape. This may be due to lack of locally available alternative options or inability to replace or purchase ecosystem services affected by wattles from other sources or markets like commercial farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on attitudes towards asexual people is a relatively new focus within the discipline of psychology, and to date has not been a topic of focus in the Australian context. This study focused on Australian undergraduate psychology students, and their attitudes towards asexual people. The study recruited 231 participants from undergraduate psychology programmes to complete an online survey assessing their attitudes towards asexual people, bias against single people, and gender ideologies. In addition, participants rated how comfortable and confident they felt about working with asexual people within mental health settings in the future. Participants who reported greater endorsement of traditional gender role ideology, and negative bias against singles, also reported greater levels of anti-asexual bias. Participants who hoped to pursue a career in psychology reported lower levels of anti-asexual bias and less negative attitudes towards single people, and reported moderate levels of both comfort in working with asexual people in the future, and capacity to provide safe care to asexual people in the future. Drawing on these findings, the paper concludes by discussing areas that require ongoing attention in the study of anti-asexual bias, and makes recommendations for the training of psychology students and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for renewable energy to encourage sustainable development raises high hopes for the future among countries in the Global South. However, there has been less research on how energy transitions are perceived outside of the Global North and democratic contexts. This paper explores attitudes towards the energy transition in Jordan, where expert interviews reveal that a strong renewable energy industry has emerged from top-down government efforts to reduce energy dependency and costs. We perform an in-person household survey with 320 respondents in areas with different transition risks and benefits, and then test a series of hypotheses using regression analysis. In the four communities surveyed, income stress and climate concern influence attitudes, as well as perceptions of community benefits. National-level concerns also matter, including energy dependency and energy costs for all Jordanians. Our results highlight the importance of context: findings from the North are not universal and understanding transitions in the Global South requires studying them in their own right. Policy insights Jordanian policymakers should reverse their policy of blocking renewables to avoid public backlash. Jordanian policymakers and funders should promote projects in communities with high economic dependence on the fossil fuel industry to ensure local support in areas facing transition risks. Policymakers should highlight collective, not just individual benefits of transitions, as perceptions of community and country benefits increase support. Policymakers in highly energy-dependent countries like Jordan should frame renewables as an answer to local and national challenges such as high energy prices. Actors wishing to promote clean energy support in different contexts should investigate local dynamics to build communication strategies that frame transitions appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Measuring attitudes of farmers to safe farming practices using quantitative causal relationship approaches is central to improving understanding of (un)safe practices. This knowledge is important in the development of effective farm safety interventions. However, the accuracy of quantitative attitudinal studies in explaining farmers' decision-making faces a potential measurement challenge, i.e. a high level of optimism bias. In this paper, we present research that develops and tests farm safety attitudinal questions that are framed around "real-life" farming practices with the objective of reducing optimism bias. Methods: We apply construal level theory (CLT) to support the design of vignettes that reflect common risk scenarios faced by farmers. Applying qualitative analysis of 274 fatal farm incidents that occurred in Ireland between 2004 and 2018 we identify the occupational behaviors (what farmers do), social (who are farmers), spatial (where farming takes place), and temporal (when farming happens) dimensions of risks resulting in most deaths. The results informed subsequent co-design activities with farm safety experts and farm advisors to develop "real-life" scenarios, attitudinal questions, and response options. The questionnaire was piloted and subsequently implemented to collect data from a sample of 381 farmers with either tractors or livestock. The results of the survey were compared to previous attitudinal research on farmer's attitudes to safety in Ireland to establish if there was as follows: i) increased variance in the responses, and ii) a statistically significant difference in the attitudes of respondents compared to the results reported in previous studies. Results: The findings established that when farmers were provided with real-life scenarios, their responses were less optimistic and more varied, i.e. there was a greater range of responses, compared to previous studies. Conclusion: Applying CTL to the development of attitudinal survey instruments anchors attitudinal questions within farming specific occupational, social, spatial, and temporal contexts. The use of vignettes that draw on real-life scenarios offers the potential for improved design of surveys that seek to understand farmer/worker practices. The results suggest that this approach can improve the measurement of attitudes to farm safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most public surveys indicate that people generally hold negative attitudes toward gambling which is considered harmful, too prevalent and not sufficiently regulated by the authorities. Despite this, reported past-year adult participation rates are often 70% or higher. In this paper, we conduct a narrative review of major studies of public attitudes to gain insights into this apparent disjuncture between gambling behavior and attitudes. The paper considers three principal explanations: (a) the effects of measurement; (b) the nature of gambling populations; and, (c) the level of public knowledge about gambling. Negative attitudes, we argue, may be influenced by the wording of commonly used measures; limited public knowledge about the extent of problem gambling or harm; or, incorrect assumptions about the public's interest in gambling. For example, references to participation figures may disguise the fact that many people gamble only on lottery products and do not approve of other forms. Overall, surveys reveal public support for people's right to gamble, but also regulatory models where gambling venues are kept separate from other parts of daily life. Future research may benefit from more nuanced methodological designs that capture public gambling knowledge, experiences and appraisal of different regulatory models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prepare student teachers for the diversity they will face in schools, they have to develop intercultural competence. This paper analyses an assignment in teacher education, where the purpose is to impart this competence to student teachers. Student teachers read and reflected on a novel related to a multicultural context, and we examined in what way(s) fiction, in teacher education, may contribute to their awareness of attitudes related to othering and stereotyping of Third Culture Kids. The data consists of individual texts, group discussions, and group presentations. We found, first, the student teachers were made aware of how their ways of expressing diversity may contribute to othering. Second, they became aware of their stereotyping and questioned accepted truths. Third, they demonstrated they can transfer knowledge from one situation (the novel) to another (the society). Our understanding is that the assignment analysed can be a valuable supplement to theory in teacher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How much, if at all, does religiosity influences racist and xenophobic beliefs? Evangelical support for bigoted and xenophobic policies is not a new phenomenon. Yet, despite the abundant scholarship on religiosity and race, we know little about the mechanisms through which scholars posit we are observing these negative outcomes. Namely, does religiosity affect support for bigoted and xenophobic attitudes? Alternatively, are demographics and belief systems more important predictors of bigoted and xenophobic attitudes? This paper is not an assessment of if religion affects politics or if politics affects religion. My contributions to the literature on race and politics include finding that religiosity has significant direct and indirect effects on attitudes toward racial minorities. I find that 10% of the negative effect on attitudes toward African Americans and 30% of the negative effect on attitudes toward Hispanics, immigrants, and the undocumented is an indirect effect of religiosity mediated through demographics and belief systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can ambitious climate policies in the European Green Deal succeed when faced with rising societal divisions between Europeans? This paper undertakes an empirical analysis using data from the European Social Survey to see whether the divisions between cosmopolitan and communitarian Europeans evident in other policy fields like migration are also found in relation to climate and energy. The results show that political ideology is most important determinant of individual attitudes, and that differences in attitudes between Eastern and Western Europe may be explained by energy security and economic development issues. The EU has maintained an ambitious policy since the mid-2010s, and with the Green Deal appears to be framing climate ambition in ways that the data suggests may reduce communitarian opposition, but not the differences between EU Member States resulting from security concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence suggests that in many European countries generally positive views about societal diversity predominate. Yet, as research has rather focussed on negative attitudes towards immigration and diversity, less is known about positive attitudes and those who hold them. The paper makes a conceptual and an empirical contribution to filling this gap. We introduce a multidimensional concept, "diversity assent", to capture both evaluations of diversity and attitudes towards reflecting diversity in societal institutions. We test the concept using the case of urban Germany, drawing from a large, purpose-built survey. We demonstrate that, while assent differs for the two dimensions, a sizeable majority of those who evaluate diversity positively also agree with representing diversity in official policy and institutions, with some differences along socio-political lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study considers how engaging university students in developing restorative alternatives to traditional retributive student conduct processes impact their attitudes toward restorative justice both on campus and beyond. As opposed to punitive approaches, Restorative Justice (RJ) attempts to achieve justice by addressing the harm caused by conduct violations through reconcillation between the stakeholders. While some universities have advanced RJ alternatives to address on-campus wrongdoing, little research exists on the impact of including university students in developing such models. As an alternative to a top-down administration-center approach, this case study utilized just community and justice-learning frameworks to develop a short course that engaged university students in developing on-campus RJ alternatives and measure the impact of the course on the students’ attitudes related to RJ through a pre-and post-course assessment based on the Taylor & Bailey’s Restorative Justice Attitudes Scale as well as student comments. This paper outlines the insights gained from the students’ post-course reflections on restorative practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to international law, the sovereignty of nation-states and the rights of individuals constitute two equally important principles. However, in instances when a state massively violates human rights, then priority is given to the protection of individuals over the self-determination of the state, thereby justifying humanitarian military intervention. This paper presents findings from a survey across 26 countries, analyzing citizen support for such intervention. We find that the majority of respondents supports military intervention to protect human rights. To explain the differences in support, we draw on world society theory and modernization theory. At first sight, world society theory offers a better framework for understanding citizens' attitudes towards military intervention. However, charcateristics derived from modernization theory are affected by a "suppression effect:" individuals living in more modernized countries and holding postmaterialist values endorse enforcing human rights but concurrently reject the use of military force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a mixed-methods approach, this paper explores student views of plurilingual foreign-language (FL) teaching of English among primary-school students in grade 4. We investigate whether students who were raised in the majority language only and those who grew up speaking an additional minority language differ in their appreciation of plurilingual FL teaching and whether plurilingual FL teaching appeals to students with different profiles in linguistic, cognitive, attitudinal, or individual background factors. One-hundred and thirty-two students took part in a six-month teaching intervention, in which 20% of FL lesson time was devoted to plurilingual teaching. A qualitative analysis of student interviews shows mixed views of plurilingual FL teaching, with students speaking additional minority languages evaluating plurilingual teaching more favourably than majority-language-only students. In a quantitative analysis, we compare the groups of students who appreciated and those who did not appreciate plurilingual FL teaching in terms of their linguistic, cognitive or individual background factors. Students who appreciate plurilingual FL teaching display significantly more positive attitudes to the FL and a greater sense of academic achievement. Moreover, students appreciative of plurilingual FL teaching demonstrate significantly higher learning gains in productive vocabulary than non-appreciative students. In all, these findings indicate that attitudinal factors modulate the appreciation and the learning outcomes in plurilingual FL teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

French language as a subject was formally re-injected in the mainstream schools as a pilot project in 2009 in Lesotho. This language, which was initially introduced in schools in 1868 and whose popularity decreased following the missionaries' departure from Lesotho, is viewed by the Ministry of Education and Training as an instrumental tool in promoting individual, national and socio-economic development. French, vis-à-vis English and Sesotho, is at the basis of the concept of multilingualism in a country that is officially recognised as being bilingual. It is against this backdrop that this article sought to explore learners' attitudes towards multilingualism through the re-introduction of French as a subject. Purposive sampling was used to select 9 secondary school participants where French was taught. Data were generated using focus group interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The findings demonstrate that most participants display positive affective attitudes towards multilingualism, viewing it as a step towards attainment of an idealised self, as creating job opportunities and as promoting globalisation. Seemingly, habitual attitudes influence social and/or factual attitudes. The paper is nuanced by the neoliberalism theory to demonstrate that the students' understanding of the utility of languages is largely informed by the logic of the market and business, reducing education to a clinical activity. This article thus recommends the inclusion of three propositions of affective attitudes in the language policy in order to contribute to the development of a holistic individual who would work towards the attainment of an idealised self through qualification, socialisation and subjectification, thereby preserving the concept of multilingualism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, which marked the whole of 2020, caused numerous difficulties in the economies and the health systems of all countries and led to a global economic and health crisis. This paper explores citizens' attitudes towards tourism on Croatian islands during the COVID-19 pandemic using survey data from over 200 islanders. The results reveal that almost one-third of the citizens considered the islands overcrowded with tourists in the pre-pandemic period. The survey results indicate a link between the expected impact of the development of tourism, citizens' attitudes towards tourism, and their willingness to take a larger health risk due to the pandemic. The results also show that islanders' attitudes toward economic measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic were not homogenous and were significantly different depending on the size of the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research consistently finds that fluent stimuli in marketing communications are better liked and more trusted than more difficult to process stimuli. This paper describes four studies showing that the attitudes towards difficult-to-process stimuli increase significantly when compared to the easy-to-process stimuli, thus adding to the growing 'disfluency' literature. We show that attitudes increase towards a less fluent option when individuals misattribute the extra effort, spent in processing the information, to the decision making rather than the stimuli itself. The studies have important theoretical implications for understanding the mechanism by which lack of processing fluency influences attitude formation, and, have practical implications for understanding how and when to use disfluent stimuli in marketing communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been published work in Disability & Society showing that the social model of disability may be re-invigorated if its emphasis reflects current social conditions and their specific context and if relevant questions are applied to specific impairment labels by each country. In this paper, I further address the issue of terminologies, concerning the notions of impairment, disability, the social model, as well as some terms with negative connotations surrounding these notions. I argue that, in attempting to detangle part of language's complexity, it may be important to re-focus on the dynamic nature of relevant chameleon-like terminologies and their impact on attitudes towards disability, which seem to be prolonged. This scope, when coupled to a clearer focus on a materialist approach to disability, may act as a catalyst towards a re-invigoration of our understanding of the social model's potential. This article looks into the issue of terminologies surrounding the notions of impairment, disability and the social model of disability. The article is written by an intellectually disabled woman who is committed to the social model of disability. Such discussions are important because the nature of the terminologies surrounding disability is often masked. As such, it affects attitudes toward disability. The materialist approach to disability is suggested to be at the heart of such discussions. When disabled people themselves raise such discussions, they act as catalysts towards a re-invigoration of our understanding of the social model of disability's potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparing school teachers goes beyond equipping them with instrumental knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and experiences of how this can be enacted in practice. They must be prepared to understand and encompass compelling social issues of justice, equity, and sustainability. To do this they need to understand pressing environmental issues as a forerunner to incorporate sustainability into their teaching. This paper uses survey data from a sample of 136 Australian pre-service teachers to gauge their knowledge and beliefs about sustainability, as well as their level of concern and their inclination to teach about it. The results show sound levels of knowledge of the biophysical environment, knowledge about the consequences of unsustainable practices and the effects of energy use and its contribution as one cause of climate change. Some also hold misconceptions about the causes of climate change. Most prospective teachers are ready to take action to protect earth systems through personal actions, and teaching and advocating within their school community, and less likely to undertake political activities beyond the school. Results from this sample are used to set out a challenge to use the concept of powerful knowledge in tandem with everyday knowledge to improve sustainability instruction in teachers' preparation programs to capitalise on their potential to contribute to Education for Sustainable Development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between people's concern for the environment and their attitudes toward marine life remains ambiguous, especially in developing countries such as China. This paper reports results from an online survey (n = 500) conducted in 22 Chinese coastal cities regarding the relationship between public attitudes toward marine life and environmental concern, as well as environment-related behavior. The New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) Scale was used to assess respondents' environmental concern. Attitudes toward marine life protection were measured using a revised version of the Animal Attitude Scale (AAS). Including some questions on demographics and environment-related behaviors and preferences, the survey also aimed to investigate human–marine life interactions in coastal Chinese society. The data revealed that people living in coastal China mostly endorsed a pro-ecological worldview, but they were rather passive in environmental public participation. All five dimensions of environmental concern were positively correlated with marine life attitude and associated with selected AAS content categories (human moral dominance, food, medical research, and hunting/fishing) to varying degrees. Anti-anthropocentrism was found to be the most important dimension of NEP in understanding marine life protection and the use of marine life. It was also discovered that some environment-related behaviors, such as beach visits, NGO membership/donations, and transportation preferences, were predictors of attitudes toward marine life and marine life usage. The findings from this study highlight three significant concepts in shaping public perception of marine life: the recognition of human domination, moderation, and potential environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses to what extent British councils have addressed onshore wind energy, and the attitudes of councillors and staff about wind farms. Websites of 400 British councils were reviewed regarding assessment of landscapes and policies towards wind energy. An Internet survey of 800 councillors and staff from 275 councils quantified their attitudes towards wind farms, their visual impacts and the acceptability of existing wind farms in Britain. Wind farms reduced perceived scenic quality. Staff opposed wind energy but councillors were more accommodating. Most participants in England found wind farms acceptable, but less than half in Wales and one third in Scotland. Scotland may have reached the limit for acceptability of wind farms. Wales may be approaching that point. Overall, the survey indicated that it is unlikely that there will be widespread installation of additional onshore wind farms across Britain. Expansion of renewable energy may be sought through re-powering of existing sites with larger but fewer turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Former literature found that various 'different' students experience exclusion and rejection by their peers in schools. This may be linked with the attitudes that their school and classmates hold towards them. Identifying someone as 'Other' may indeed result in prejudicial attitudes which, in turn, can lead to his/her marginalisation and exclusion. From an inclusive perspective, it is thus pivotal to explore student attitudes towards the conceived different ones and how they are linked with exclusionary patterns among peers in schools. To contribute to the understanding of the link between peer attitudes, diversity and exclusion, the present paper reports on the stages of development of an instrument aimed to measure adolescents' attitudes towards otherness which combines a qualitative and a quantitative approach. Beside measuring their attitudes, the instrument also investigates students' representations and definitions of otherness. Such representations – as emerged from the pilot study of the instrument – will be presented here. The findings confirmed the importance of adopting a wider and non-categorical approach to otherness in the study of peer attitudes and exclusionary processes in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten interviews of senior leaders gave a clear picture about what they considered mentoring should be in a College of Education in Ghana – a coaching model of directive instruction and a hierarchical transfer of skills and knowledge. While mentoring was viewed as a central part of a training teacher's course, funds, attitudes and workload did not allow for in-house mentoring of staff. These findings are discussed with observations of how gender and religious cultural expectation affected the responses of the senior leaders and how the management structure at the college may be inhibiting it from implementing a system of mentoring. This paper was written as a collaboration between educational lecturers in Ghana and the UK and brings a global perspective on the situation. It concludes with recommendations to managers of educational institutions to implement a mentoring structure and widen the definition of what it means to be a mentor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of the perception of bicycle infrastructure on the choice of the bicycle as a feeder mode to access train stations in the Netherlands. The latent factors act in addition to traditional travel time and cost variables, describing the quality of cycling infrastructure at and around railway stations. The analysis is based on a large scale revealed and stated preference survey in the wider metropolitan area of The Hague and Rotterdam (n = 1524). Hybrid choice models for access feeder mode choice were estimated, where the attitude toward cycling to affected the users' perception of the cycling infrastructure, which in turn affected the utility of cycling. The results show that both the quality of cycling infrastructure and latent factors, describing the perceived quality of cycling infrastructure, station connectivity and the general attitude toward cycling, have a significant impact on cycling to the station. The effect of the travel time and cost characteristics on access mode choice significantly changes depending on the perception of the quality of the infrastructure, as well as the attitude toward cycling and frequency of train use. Bicycle parking cost and distance to the platform is the most critical observed factor influencing bicycle access choice to the train stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant popular perception in contemporary Romania is that its people have strong, persistent and genuine Christian beliefs that are the main source of their attitudes towards death and of their representations of the afterlife. Questioning this assumption, this paper is based on two exploratory studies consisting of 80 semi-structured interviews and aims at investigating the features of personal representations related to death in contemporary Romania. It highlights the emergence of new patterns of representation and new and unexplored attitudes towards death, dying and the afterlife, identifying three categories of interviewees: the believers, the personalists, the atheists. The paper pleads for further study of Romanian beliefs and representations related to the topic of death from a sociological perspective. As it is the case with the majority of Romanian post–communist studies on death and dying, elements related to religion and folklore should not be considered the only ones that matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has mandated teaching both multicultural diversity and oppression content since the first decade of the 21st century. Yet, little research examines social work faculty's attitudes toward the content they teach. A national online survey of faculty teaching in accredited MSW programs across the United States was conducted to investigate faculty's attitudes toward content related to diversity, oppression, and social and economic justice. This paper examines (a) faculty's attitudes toward diversity and oppression content, (b) faculty's perceived importance of content on social groups (e.g. different social classes) compared to content on oppression (e.g. classism), and (c) the factors that predict faculty's attitudes. Findings revealed that faculty are generally supportive of most diversity and oppression content, with some notable exceptions. However, results indicated that faculty perceive content on diversity as more important than its corresponding oppression content. Lastly, faculty who indicated that their school had more resources on diversity and oppression reported higher perceived importance of including this content in their courses. The current study reveals there can be a discrepancy between how faculty think about this content and the CSWE curriculum policy. Findings have implications for education, workshops and training for social work faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trans people are incarcerated at disproportionately high rates relative to cisgender people and are at increased risk of negative experiences while incarcerated, including poor mental health, violence, sexual abuse, dismissal of self-identity, including poor access to healthcare. Aims: This scoping review sought to identify what is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of correctional staff toward incarcerated trans people within the adult and juvenile justice systems. Method: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the five-stage iterative process developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), utilizing the PRISMA guidelines and checklist for scoping reviews and included an appraisal of included papers. A range of databases and grey literature was included. Literature was assessed against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with included studies written in English, online full text availability, and reported data relevant to the research question. Results: Seven studies were included with four using qualitative methodologies, one quantitative, and two studies employing a mixed methods approach. These studies provided insights into the systemic lack of knowledge and experience of correctional staff working with trans people, including staff reporting trans issues are not a carceral concern, and carceral settings not offering trans-affirming training to their staff. Within a reform-based approach these findings could be interpreted as passive ignorance and oversights stressing the importance of organizational policies and leadership needing to set standards for promoting the health and wellbeing of incarcerated trans persons. Conclusions: From a transformational lens, findings from this study highlight the urgent need to address the underlying structural, systemic, and organizational factors that impact upon the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors staff have and hold in correctional, and other health and community settings to meaningfully and sustainably improve health, wellbeing, and gender-affirming treatment and care for trans communities, including make possible alternative methods of accountability for those who do harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the determinants of support for future generations, using novel survey data for the case of Germany. I find significant, but not overwhelming support for prioritizing the needs of future generations vs. the acute needs of present-day citizens. Moreover, individual-level and contextual factors matter too. High-income and highly educated citizens are on average more supportive of the needs of future generations, the elderly and women less so. Left-wing supporters are equally more supportive of future generations, especially supporters of the Greens and those subscribing to 'green-alternative-liberal' values. Supporters of the right-wing populist AfD are most strongly opposed. General political trust boosts support for future generations, and economically thriving local economies are associated with higher levels of support for future generations as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines discriminatory attitudes of Israeli Jews towards non-Jewish immigrants admitted into Israel under the Law of Return. We looked at three spheres of discrimination: admission, political rights, and welfare rights and focused on the role of realistic socioeconomic and symbolic threats in the emergence of discriminatory attitudes. We used a mixed-methods approach that allowed to test our hypotheses among a representative sample (survey) and examine the logics underlying the respondents' justifications for endorsing discrimination (focus groups/in-depth interviews). The findings show that discrimination endorsement is strongest in the case of admission and political rights where Israeli Jews seek to prevent the presence of outgroups and deny them the right to become part of the society. By contrast, discrimination with respect to welfare rights is less pronounced – possibly because it is not viewed as awarding membership in society, but rather providing individuals their basic needs based on universalistic or democratic values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Largely due to immigration, European societies have grown increasingly diverse. The current study seeks to determine how citizens characterize their experiences with this diversity and whether various types of intergroup exposure can influence immigration attitudes. This analysis takes a unique approach by comparing positive, negative, and neutral intergroup exposure characterizations, along with those reporting no exposure at all. Using internationally representative data from the 2014 European Social Survey, this paper demonstrates how these different characterizations predict citizens' immigration attitudes. Results indicate that positive and negative experiences have opposing effects that are roughly symmetrical in magnitude and both are more intense when experienced in high frequency. Neutral exposure is actually much more common than negative experiences and represents a net benefit compared to those with no exposure at all. The results present important implications for future research and highlight several encouraging patterns for diversity across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although immigration is one of key issues facing European societies today, many survey respondents do not reply to questions about immigration and ethnic minorities. Using data from the 2014 European Social Survey, this paper explores the characteristics of nonrespondents and the potential mechanisms which might lie behind their refraining from answering immigration-related questions. Item nonresponse to seven questions on the impact of immigration (impact items) and six questions on allowing ethnic/racial/religious minorities into the respondent's country (openness items) is analysed. The results indicate that nonresponse to these items is systematically related to respondents' profiles, their experiences, the characteristics of the interviewer, and the country context. Respondents with a moderate amount of contact with ethnic minorities and who are interested in politics are least uncertain about their attitudes and most likely to report them. Contrary to expectations, nonresponse is not lowest among the more educated – indeed, the nonresponse rate for the openness items is highest for the most highly educated. The results also point to the importance of the interviewer effect, as nonresponse to immigration-related items varies more between interviewers than between countries. The paper concludes by highlighting the implications for the design and analysis of surveys measuring attitudes towards immigration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truth-telling about terminal illness prognosis is a complex and sensitive process, accompanied by several confounding factors and the sometimes-contrasting preferences between the patient, the patient's family and the healthcare provider. However, there seems to be limited or no guidelines for truth-telling in terminal illness prognosis in Africa. The review explored the perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients, patients' families and healthcare professionals about truth-telling regarding cases of terminal illness prognosis in Africa. Using a predetermined search strategy, a systematic search of the literature was conducted on EBSCOhost, Web of Science and PubMed. A manual search was also conducted on Google Scholar, Google, HINARI, PubMed and African Journals OnLine. Furthermore, a mixture of backward and forward snowballing was used. The searches yielded a total of 90 results, of which only 13 papers met the review criteria after screening. A review matrix was developed to capture the data from the articles, which was later coded for emerging themes. Several themes emerged from the literature, namely patient and family preferences, doctors' preferences and practices, patient reception of and reaction to information disclosure, and doctors' perspective regarding patient reception of and reaction to information disclosure. The results suggest that several confounding factors, such as culture and religious beliefs, influence truth-telling. In Africa, there are several confounding factors, such as culture, religious beliefs and patient and family preferences that should be carefully considered in truth-telling approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A systematic review was conducted to critically evaluate and synthesize literature investigating mental health practitioners' attitudes towards transgender people. Objective: Three primary objectives were outlined; first, establish whether overall attitudes are positive or negative. Second, explore whether training, education or experience influences attitudes and finally, examine participant demographics in relation to attitude trends. Method: A systematic electronic search was carried out in March 2017 using Medline, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, CINAHL, ASSIA, and Web of Science electronic databases. Manual citation and ancestral searches were conducted on identified papers. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies were eligible for inclusion. A total of 13 papers of mixed quality were identified. Results: Existing literature is limited to cross-sectional, quantitative data and fails to investigate differences between implicit and explicit attitudes. Small to moderate convenience samples reduce the generalizability of data. Overall attitudes were positive although negative attitudes were more frequent in male, Caucasian, heterosexual, religious, conservative mental health professionals. Conclusions: Refined scales are needed to address the unique heterogeneity within transgender populations. Future research should focus on how attitudes impact care provided and employ longitudinal designs to explore the sustainability of targeted attitudinal training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The older adult population in the US is burgeoning and nurses will be at the forefront of providing the skilled, compassionate care needed for them. Undergraduate nursing students do not commonly desire to work with older adults after graduation, likely related to negative attitudes, which can adversely impact the care provided. To determine the effect of a course using a suite of teaching techniques designed to positively shift nursing students' attitudes toward older adults. A one group pre and post-test design was used to test the effect of completion of the Nursing Care of the Older Adult course on baccalaureate undergraduate junior level nursing students' attitudes toward older people at a large University in the Midwest for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). A quality assurance evaluation using a voluntary anonymous survey (Kogan's Attitude Toward Older People Instrument) on paper (2019) or online (2020) took place on the first and last day of class. Normality was assessed and the central limit theorem was applicable, therefore, independent samples t-tests were performed on the primary outcome, total score, with the primary predictor as pre vs post. This process was repeated on a 2020 cohort in the same course with a paired samples t-test, as paired subject ID's were recorded in 2020 but not in 2019. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all parts of academic life, no direct comparisons were made between the 2019 and 2020 samples. Course content included lectures, videos, MaskEd™ simulation, group work, case studies and clinical experiences. Both cohorts had significant improvement in the total Kogan instrument score, indicating a positive change in attitudes toward older adults [2019 pre M 167.2, SD 20.3 to post M 176.9, SD 22.4, t (292.43) = 3.96, p < 0.001 and 2020 pre M 179.4, SD 21.3 to post M 188.1, SD 22.2, t (70) = −5.61, p < 0.001]. The innovative, intentional teaching strategies incorporated into this gerontology course were effective in promoting positive attitudes toward older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of dementia is increasing with more healthcare workers being required to care for people living with this progressive neurological disorder. The knowledge level and attitude of healthcare workers caring for those living with dementia need to be assessed and resources targeted effectively to ensure best quality care is provided. Healthcare workers for the purpose of this paper include anyone employed to care for those living with dementia. Aim: To investigate the attitudes of healthcare workers towards people living with dementia. Methods: A survey of 110 healthcare workers was undertaken between October 2016 and December 2017, using the Dementia Attitude Scale to measure attitudes towards people living with dementia. Demographic data were collected by a survey to explore whether a person's age; cultural background; qualification level; or experience level had an impact on their attitude towards people living with dementia. Results: The full survey was completed by n = 85 healthcare workers with the majority having strongly positive views about people living with dementia, with an average score of 88.31/100. However, a large number reported being afraid of people living with dementia (n = 76, 89.4%) and would avoid people with dementia who were agitated (n = 51, 61.4%). While 100% (n = 85) agreed or strongly agreed that it was possible to enjoy interacting with people living with dementia, they were more ambivalent with n = 26 (31.6%) strongly agreeing with the statement that working with people living with dementia is rewarding. A significant difference in attitude was found using one-way analysis of variance within groups due to age (p <.000) and cultural background (p <.035). Conclusions: Healthcare workers within this study had mainly positive attitudes towards people with dementia as demonstrated by the high attitude scores. However, this paper has shown that healthcare workers may require further education to improve attitude and care towards those living with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper overviews limitations in both the way attitude function has been conceptualized in social psychology, and in the empirical basis for the claims made. We suggest that the premise that attitudes are expressed for cognitive/motivational reasons is an untested artefact of the methodological procedures commonly used. In contrast, an investigation of 'attitudes' in the wild (assessments, evaluations, judgements) is offered as an alternative pathway to address questions of function. The analytic core of the paper is the analysis of a collection of interactional examples where an Object-side assessment (e.g. 'this soup is lovely') is issued in combination with a Subject-side assessment (e.g. 'I love this soup'). We investigate what is achieved by combining O-side and S-side assessments: why use an O-side assessment and then an S-side assessment? Or, why use an S-side assessment and then an O-side? We show that (a) O-side and S-side assessments support different actions; (b) the combination manages world and speaker issues in a single package; (c) the combination of O-side and S-side can be hearably complete; (d) O-side first, S-side second can be a resource for building (on) affiliation; (e) S-side first, O-side second can be a platform for continued dispute. Programmatic work on the function of assessments is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cities are creating policies and programs aimed at expanding bicycling mode shares. Attitudes towards bicycling in combination with weather conditions, however, can strongly influence the decision to ride. In locations with wide annual seasonal variation, attitudes can radically alter demand on bicycle networks across the year. Though researchers have looked at weather impacts on bicycling, the link between attitudinal factors that might impact riding decisions and seasonal variation remains understudied. This paper investigates heterogeneous taste preferences about the inclination to bicycle for riders who ride only in the warm weather and those who ride all year long (including during severe winters). This research relies on survey data from Edmonton, Canada and presents results from a hybrid discrete choice model. After controlling for age, sex, education, income, the supply of bike lanes, and the latent variable "bicycling inclination," the results indicate that attitudes have a significantly positive impact on the decision to ride across seasons. The findings suggest that public education and season-specific training programs—particularly aimed at adults and women—have the potential to increase bicycling all year around. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are at the focal point of marketers' attention. However, while extensive research is devoted to understanding consumers' motivations, attitudes and behaviour, surprisingly little attention is given to the consumers' views of marketing itself. This paper explores consumers' attitudes towards marketing and their perceptions of it, reflecting critically upon their views. Since much criticism of marketing focuses on its role in promoting consumption, we also consider perceptions of current levels of consumption and the extent to which marketing is held responsible for them. Based on 29 in-depth interviews we find evidence suggesting the prevalence of negative attitudes towards marketing, especially associated with deceptive or dishonest campaigns, although marketing's informative role is acknowledged. Importantly, findings reveal a limited understanding of the discipline, suggesting a gap between the concept of marketing and consumers' perceptions of it. This paper sends marketers important messages from consumers and offers grounds for further debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of social and economic status on measurement error in social science research. The authors focus on three groups: the unemployed, low-income respondents, and the elderly, and investigate if data quality differs among these groups. They discuss indicators of measurement error, such as satisficing behavior and social desirability, and provide an overview of methods for analyzing measurement error in surveys. The article also references a research paper conducted in the Netherlands that analyzes measurement error and response tendencies in a survey. The study finds that respondents with low income are more likely to select the 'Don't know' category and less likely to round, while unemployed respondents are more likely to select 'Don't know' and less likely to round. Older respondents have higher data quality overall, but are more likely to round. The study suggests that researchers should consider these differences in data quality when conducting analyses and interpreting results. The article includes several tables that provide information on variables, questions, and statistical analyses used in the research study. The authors, Alexandru Cernat and Vera Toepoel, are experts in survey methodology and have conducted research on various topics related to survey methodology and measurement error. [Extracted from the article]

This short note introduces the second special issue focusing on the analysis of comparative data from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) Social Inequality (SI) module. In addition to expressing our appreciation for our colleagues on the drafting group for sharing their time and expertise to shape the content of the 2019 module, we provide a summary of the three empirical articles featured in this second special issue. These articles represent a further contribution to our understanding of inequality beliefs more than three decades since the first ISSP SI module was fielded in the late 1980s. In conclusion, we encourage the global research community to make extensive use of the 2019 ISSP SI module data to further explore the dynamics of inequality beliefs and socioeconomic conditions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]