This research examines the content and process involved in developing criminal profiles. To assess the material typically included in profiles and the way that the conclusions are developed, a qualitative analysis of the content of profiles was undertaken. This included, among other things, the characteristics offered, their prevalence, and the most common characteristics by profiling method. A further quantitative study was undertaken employing Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) which revealed three general themes in the advice given. These included Crime Scene, Internal Offender and Offender Characteristic facets, each of which was comprised of features suggestive of that facet. For example, the Crime Scene facet typically described offender actions and their interpretation at the physical location of the criminal event, such as staging and methods of control.The study employed a sample of 49 profilers reflective of the four main schools of thought; Criminal Investigative Analysis (CIA), Investigative Psychology (IP), Diagnostic Evaluations (DE) and Behavioural Evidence Analysis (BEA). CIA profiles were greatest in number with a sample size of 19. There were 14 BEA profiles and 8 each of DE and IP profiles. Together, there were in excess of 3000 individual variables ranging from age, sex and race to employment, geography, mental illness and risk.Results indicate that the vast majority of profilers employ either research or personal belief in forming their opinions, and that physical evidence is used the least in justifying a profiler’s opinion. However, when considering the individual methods, BEA placed the greatest reliance on physical evidence and its interpretation according with the forensic science philosophy of the method. CIA, the method used by the FBI, produced the most characteristics of the sample at 312 across 19 profiles, followed by BEA at 166 characteristics across 14 profiles. IP and DE profiles, with a sample size of eight each, had 90 and 61 characteristics respectively.Beyond these findings, the implication of the research will be discussed and some future direction for this research and the field in general will be provided. These areas include education, training, the scientific method and professionalisation. This thesis will also canvass the issue of whether profiling is an art or a science with particular reference to the research results and the existing literature that has bothered to address this issue.

In this thesis, teaching and learning issues involved in end-user information retrieval from electronic databases are examined. A two-stage model of the information retrieval process, based on information processing theory, is proposed; and a framework for the teaching of information literacy is developed. The efficacy of cognitive psychology as a theoretical framework that enhances the understanding of a number of information retrieval issues, is discussed. These issues include: teaching strategies that can assist the development of conceptual knowledge of the information retrieval process; individual differences affecting information retrieval performance, particularly problemsolving ability; and expert and novice differences in search performance. The researcher investigated the impact of concept-based instruction on the development of information retrieval skills through the use of a two-stage experimental study conducted with undergraduates students at the University of Canberra, Australia. Phase 1 was conducted with 254 first-year undergraduates in 1997, with a 40 minute concept-based teaching module as the independent variable. A number of research questions were proposed: 1. Wdl type of instruction influence acquisition of knowledge of electronic database searching? 2. Will type of instruction influence information retrieval effectiveness? 3. Are problem-solving ability and information retrieval effectiveness related? 4. Are problem-solving ability and cognitive maturity related? 5. Are there any differences in the search behaviour of more effective and less effective searchers? Subjects completed a pre-test which measured knowledge of electronic databases, and problem-solving ability; and a post-test that measured changes in these abilities. Subjects in the experimental treatment were taught the 40 minute concept-based module, which incorporated teaching strateges grounded in leaming theory. The strategies included: the use of analogy; modelling; and the introduction of complexity. The aims of the module were to foster the development of a realistic concept of the information retrieval process; and to provide a problem-solving heuristic to guide subjects in their search strategy formulation. All subjects completed two post-tests: a survey that measured knowledge of search terminology and strategies; and an information retrieval assignment that measured effectiveness of search design and execution. Results suggested that using a concept-based approach is significantly more effective than using a traditional, skills-demonstration approach in the teaching of information retrieval. This effectiveness was both in terms of increasing knowledge of the search process; and in terms of improving search outcomes. Further, results suggested that search strategy formulation is significantly correlated with electronic database knowledge, and problemsolving ability; and that problem-solving ability and level of cognitive maturity may be related. Results supported the two-stage model of the information retrieval process suggested by the researcher as one possible construct of the thinking processes underlying information retrieval. These findings led to the implementation of Phase 2 of the research in 1999. Subjects were 68 second-year undergraduate students at the University of Canberra. In this Phase, concept-based teaching techniques were used to develop four modules covering a range of information literacy skills, including: critical thinking; information retrieval strategies; evaluation of sources; and determining relevance of articles. Results confirmed that subjects taught by methods based on leaming theory paradigms (the experimental treatment group), were better able to design effective searches than subjects who did not receive such instruction (the control treatment group). Further, results suggested that these teaching methods encouraged experimental group subjects to locate material from more credible sources than did control group subjects. These findings are of particular significance, given the increasing use of the unregulated intemet environment as an information source. Taking into account literature reviewed, and the results of Phases 1 and 2, a model of the information retrieval process is proposed. Finally, recognising the central importance of the acquisition of information literacy to student success at university, and to productive membership of the information society, a detailed framework for the teaching of information literacy in higher education is suggested.

The original aim of the study was to trial an assessment procedure, HOWZAT, designed to sample the oral language, reading, and cognitive style competencies of seven year old children. The evaluation of the pilot study indicated that the procedure was limited in the extent to which the original aims could be attained. A follow up study with amended aims, items, and procedure was conducted and evaluated. The second study was a descriptive, empirical study of the responses of a sample of seven year old children to eighteen items - most of which contained distortions of written language forms. The procedure required the children to make decisions about the acceptability of the items and to discuss and justify their decisions. The sample consisted of thirty children, ten from each of three reading ability groups. The allocation of children to groups and ranking within each of the groups according to reading ability was done by their respective teachers. The children's responses to the items and some of their response behaviours were analysed in two major ways. In the item analysis it was found that the children had similar response patterns to the items that were distorted semantically, syntactically and in conventions of print but responded differently to the graphophonically distorted items. The patterns of response to the different kinds of distortions were interpreted in terms of the intrusive effect of the distortions on the children's expectations about written language. Different response patterns were also found between and within the three ability groups. Children perceived by their teachers as being better readers demonstrated competence in finding and using strategies for dealing with the task and items. Individual profiles were presented to illustrate these differences. The conclusion reached in the evaluation was that the use of distorted materials had produced interesting results but was not justified on ideological grounds. However, the procedure was judged to have some potential as an action research methodology to explore children's reasoning with print and strategy learning abilities, and to probe their linguistic development and performance.

Every day large volumes of data are collected in the form of time series. Time series are collections of events or observations, predominantly numeric in nature, sequentially recorded on a regular or irregular time basis. Time series are becoming increasingly important in nearly every organisation and industry, including banking, finance, telecommunication, and transportation. Banking institutions, for instance, rely on the analysis of time series for forecasting economic indices, elaborating financial market models, and registering international trade operations. More and more time series are being used in this type of investigation and becoming a valuable resource in today�s organisations. This thesis investigates and proposes solutions to some current and important issues in time series data management (TSDM), using Design Science Research Methodology. The thesis presents new models for mapping time series data to relational databases which optimise the use of disk space, can handle different time granularities, status attributes, and facilitate time series data manipulation in a commercial Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). These new models provide a good solution for current time series database applications with RDBMS and are tested with a case study and prototype with financial time series information. Also included is a temporal data model for illustrating time series data lifetime behaviour based on a new set of time dimensions (confidentiality, definitiveness, validity, and maturity times) specially targeted to manage time series data which are introduced to correctly represent the different status of time series data in a timeline. The proposed temporal data model gives a clear and accurate picture of the time series data lifecycle. Formal definitions of these time series dimensions are also presented. In addition, a time series grouping mechanism in an extensible commercial relational database system is defined, illustrated, and justified. The extension consists of a new data type and its corresponding rich set of routines that support modelling and operating time series information within a higher level of abstraction. It extends the capability of the database server to organise and manipulate time series into groups. Thus, this thesis presents a new data type that is referred to as GroupTimeSeries, and its corresponding architecture and support functions and operations. Implementation options for the GroupTimeSeries data type in relational based technologies are also presented. Finally, a framework for TSDM with enough expressiveness of the main requirements of time series application and the management of that data is defined. The framework aims at providing initial domain know-how and requirements of time series data management, avoiding the impracticability of designing a TSDM system on paper from scratch. Many aspects of time series applications including the way time series data are organised at the conceptual level are addressed. The central abstraction for the proposed domain specific framework is the notions of business sections, group of time series, and time series itself. The framework integrates comprehensive specification regarding structural and functional aspects for time series data management. A formal framework specification using conceptual graphs is also explored.

Errata inserted inside back cover. / "August 2002" / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-174) / 177 leaves, [91 leaves of plates] : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Molecular Biosciences, 2002

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This study engaged in a micro-genetic analysis (Wertsch, 1984) of facilitation in participatory research (PR). The research conducted in this study explored the facilitation process of two facilitators using two participatory techniques (a 'road of life' technique and a ranking exercise) with children in a rural context. The facilitators' perceptions of facilitation and their experiences of facilitating a PR technique were examined through the use of individual interviews, and were analysed using a reading guide method (Mergendollar, 1989). Of particular concern was that in PR, there is no account of the mechanisms which bring about successful facilitation. This study exposed how some PR techniques, like the ranking exercise can simply be implemented through using a set of instructions, but other kinds of techniques such as the 'road of life' technique are inherently embedded in the principles of PR and are more difficult to implement. A lack of an understanding of the PR principles has major consequences for the implementation of PR processes, and whether or not PR processes achieve their aim i.e. critical reflection. The importance of training in PR was thus emphasised, and the importance of providing a theoretical framework of the facilitation process in PR was accentuated. / Thesis (M.Psyc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

This SSHRC and Pacific Leaders funded thesis summarizes participatory action research conducted in El Salvador between January 2008 and April 2009. This research resulted in a $355,000 proposal to the Canadian International Development Agency for a sustainable agriculture research and education centre in canton Agua Blanca, Morazán, El Salvador. The project is proposed by Canadian NGO, Rainbow of Hope for Children, in partnership with Salvadoran NGO, Fundahmer. Fundahmer owns 9.8 hectares of land in Agua Blanca. The researcher analysed practices at an existing Rainbow agriculture project in Izalco, and identified options for Agua Blanca by defining project goals and objectives, conducting a risk assessment, describing proposed centre activities, quantifying beneficiaries, assessing funding requirements, and developing performance measures. Funding was rejected, citing six sections that required additional information for second submission: sector and regional context, sustainability, gender, beneficiaries, performance measures, and environmental impacts. Seven recommendations are included to move project forward.

This study examines educators’ perceptions of the environmental impact of Holly Ar[n]tzen’s Artist Response musicians’ program for schools. In this case study, Ar[n]tzen and five educators were interviewed about their perceptions of the program’s impact on students at five B.C. elementary schools. The researcher’s “observational narratives” also convey experiential examples of the program in action. Educators perceive that the program provides students and their families with a memorable, nature-focused musical experience that also enhances their understanding of, and concern for, the environment. Based on the six participants’ interviews, the researcher argues that programs like this offer role models for children, enhance community, provide opportunities for crosscurricular learning, and involve multiple intelligences. The study concludes that, despite obstacles, the program engages emotions, raises awareness that enhances students’ decision-making skills, and influences the adults in their lives. Participants also perceived the need for a formal environmental curriculum to be integrated into elementary schools.

Extensive mill closures by industrial forestry companies in forestry-dependent towns in British Columbia, have, in many cases, resulted in effectively eliminating the local primary industry. Communities have lost the economic and social base that sustains families, the municipal tax base and the local retail market, and the local forest expertise has been forced to look elsewhere for work. Many communities around the world have developed viable community forestry frameworks and successful operations as a means of addressing sustainability, social and economic issues. While a number of community forestry supports are available in B.C., many communities continue to experience difficulties establishing viable forestry operations. This research will examine the broad-spectrum and site-specific challenges faced by three designated B.C. communities at different stages along the continuum toward successful operations, and will propose strategies aimed at overcoming the barriers to their success.