The emergence of the Internet has made the global information communications much easier than before. Users can navigate the desired information over the Internet by means of search engines. Even though search engine can help users search specified topic in a primary way, users usually cannot gain the overall idea of what the entire navigated results mean. In addition, information over the Internet keeps changing. Users cannot even keep track of the changes, let alone to comprehend the meanings of such changes. Consequently, this research proposes a two-stage incremental approach to figuring out the concept structure that represents the main concepts of the search results in the first stage, and keeping track of the concept changes with time based on spreading activation theory to assist users in the second stage. Experiments are conducted to examine the feasibility of our proposed approach. The first experiment is to evaluate the results from the first stage. It shows that the performance on recall and precision is quite satisfactory based on human experts¡¦ results. The second experiment is to examine the changing results from the entire proposed approach. It shows that high degree of agreement with our results is achieved from domain experts. Both experiments justify the feasibility of our proposed approach in real applications. That is, applying our proposed approach, users can easily focus on the topic they are interested in and learn its trend with great support. Keywords: Internet, Concepts Extraction, Concept Change Detection, Spreading Activation Theory.

abstract: This study investigated father-child Activation Theory and the impact of activative fathering on children's dysregulation and social skills. The sample followed 145 families of typically developing children across ages 4 to 6. Fathering and mothering behaviors were coded via naturalistic observations at child age 4, children's dysregulation was coded during a laboratory puzzle task at age 5, and children's social skills were rated by parents and teachers at age 6. Results found support for a constellation of activative fathering behaviors unique to father-child interactions. Activative fathering, net of mothering behaviors, predicted decreased behavioral dysregulation one year later. Support was not found for moderation of the relation between activative fathering and children's dysregulation by paternal warmth, nor was support found for children's dysregulation as a mediator of the relation between activative fathering and children's social skills. These results suggest that parenting elements of father-child activation are unique to fathering and may be more broadly observable in naturalistic contexts not limited to play activities alone. Additionally, activative fathering appears to uniquely influence children's self-regulatory abilities above and beyond identical mothering behavior. In the present work, paternal warmth was not a necessary for activative fathering to positively contribute to children's regulatory abilities nor did children's dysregulation link activative fathering to social skills. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Psychology 2014

The apparel and textile industry plays an enormous role in the depletion of natural resources, pollution and other environmental problems. Pro-environmental efforts should thus be encouraged in all stages of the apparel supply chain, but also more specifically at the disposal stage during which consumers should be encouraged to adopt eco-friendly options such as donating, recycling and/ or reselling apparel. The aim of this study was to explore and describe female consumers' pro-environmental disposal motivation and intent regarding apparel in the South African context. The hypothesis and conceptual framework for this study was based on a combination of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Norm Activation Theory's (NAT) constructs as the underlying motivational factors that contribute to pro-environmental disposal intent. The research was carried out in the Gauteng province, South Africa. The sample comprised of 315 female consumers; female consumers were of particular interest since they tend to engage in pro-environmental behaviour to a larger extent than males. This quantitative study used a cross-sectional survey design for which a Qualtrics web-based questionnaire was developed. Data was captured and coded to be further subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. The findings indicated that most respondents are aware of environmental consequences related to the disposal of apparel. Social norms influenced respondents' personal norms, as well as their behavioural intent to make pro-environmental decisions regarding the disposal of apparel. It seems that consumers' attitudes also influence their pro-environmental behavioural intent significantly. In contrast, perceived behavioural control had a weaker influence on pro-environmental intent. The theoretical contribution of this study relates to the relevance of TPB and NAT constructs in the local context. In so far as practical implications are concerned, it was concluded that government and businesses should get involved in promoting pro-environmental apparel disposal options and educating consumers about the benefits of disposing apparel in a pro-environmental manner. / Die klere en tekstiel bedryf speel 'n noodsaaklike rol in die vermindering van natuurlike bronne, besoedeling en ander omgewingsprobleme. Pro-omgewings pogings moet dus aangemoedig word in alle stadiums van die klere voorsienings kettings, maar meer spesifiek ook in die wegdoen fase waarin verbruikers aangemoedig moet word om omgewings vriendelike opsies te oorweeg soos skenking, herwinning en herverkoping. Die doel van hierdie studie was vroulike verbruikers se pro-omgewings klere beskikkings motivering en bedoeling te verken en beskryf in 'n Suid Afrikaanse konteks. Die hipotese en konseptuele raamwerk vir hierdie studie is gebaseer op 'n kombinasie van die Teorie van Beplande Gedrag (TPB) en die Norm Aktiverings Teorie (NAT) se konsepte as die onderliggende motiverende faktore wat bydra tot verbruikers se pro-omgewings wegdoen voorneme. Die navorsing was uitgevoer in Gauteng provinsie, Suid Afrika. Die steekproef het uit 315 vroulike verbruikers bestaan; vroulike verbruikers was van besondere belang aangesien hulle geneig is om betrokke te raak in pro-omgewings gedrag tot 'n groter mate as mans. Hierdie kwantitatiewe studie het 'n deursnit opname-ontwerp gebruik waarvoor 'n Qualtrics web-gebaseerde vraelys ontwikkel is. Die data was ingevoer en verder gekodeer om beskrywende en inferentiële statistiek ontledings te ontwikkel. Die bevindings het aangedui dat die meeste respondente bewus is van hoe die wegdoen van klere die omgewing beïnvloed. Sosiale norme het die respondente se persoonlike norme beïnvloed, asook hul gedragspatrone intensie om pro-omgewings besluite te maak ten opsigte van die wegdoen van klere. Dit blyk dat die houdings van verbruikers hul pro-omgewings gedrags intensie ook aansienlik beïnvloed. In teenstelling hiermee, het waargeneemde gedrags beheer 'n swakker invloed op pro-omgewings voorneme. Die teoretiese bydrae van hierdie studie het betrekking tot die toepaslikheid van TPB en NAT konsepte in 'n plaaslike konteks. In terme van praktiese implikasies, was die gevolgtrekking dat die regering en besighede betrokke moet raak in die bevordering van pro-omgewings wegdoen opsies en die opvoeding van verbruikers oor die voordele van die afhandeling van klere op 'n pro-omgewings wyse. / Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Consumer Science / MConsumer Science / Unrestricted

Due to the passage of the Gainful Employment Rule of 2015, for-profit schools must ensure graduate employability, which forces vocational schools to make student success a priority. The concepts of stress mindset from the cognitive activation theory of stress and stress management self-efficacy from social cognitive theory were used in this study to assess the relationship of each to the employability of graduates. This study utilized a nonrandomized convenience sampling method and a multiple logistic regression with categorical dependent/criterion variables (gainful employment versus not) and continuous predictor variables (stress management self-efficacy, stress mindset) to compare the relationships. Stress mindset levels were measured using the stress mindset measure while stress management self-efficacy levels were measured by the stress management self-efficacy measure with 66 participants. The results of this study indicated that while both increased levels of stress management self-efficacy and a positive stress mindset were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of gainful employment, on its own, stress management self-efficacy was a better indicator than was stress mindset, on its own. The implications for positive social change from the results of this study, are a greater understanding of the importance of stress management self-efficacy and a positive stress mindset on the employability of technical school graduates. This knowledge could lead to the creation of improved stress management and stress mindset assistance for technical school students, which could lead to increased employability in these graduates.

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abstract: This study investigates how well prominent behavioral theories from social psychology explain green purchasing behavior (GPB). I assess three prominent theories in terms of their suitability for GPB research, their attractiveness to GPB empiricists, and the strength of their empirical evidence when applied to GPB. First, a qualitative assessment of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Norm Activation Theory (NAT), and Value-Belief-Norm Theory (VBN) is conducted to evaluate a) how well the phenomenon and concepts in each theory match the characteristics of pro-environmental behavior and b) how well the assumptions made in each theory match common assumptions made in purchasing theory. Second, a quantitative assessment of these three theories is conducted in which r2 values and methodological parameters (e.g., sample size) are collected from a sample of 21 empirical studies on GPB to evaluate the accuracy and generalize-ability of empirical evidence. In the qualitative assessment, the results show each theory has its advantages and disadvantages. The results also provide a theoretically-grounded roadmap for modifying each theory to be more suitable for GPB research. In the quantitative assessment, the TPB outperforms the other two theories in every aspect taken into consideration. It proves to 1) create the most accurate models 2) be supported by the most generalize-able empirical evidence and 3) be the most attractive theory to empiricists. Although the TPB establishes itself as the best foundational theory for an empiricist to start from, it's clear that a more comprehensive model is needed to achieve consistent results and improve our understanding of GPB. NAT and the Theory of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB) offer pathways to extend the TPB. The TIB seems particularly apt for this endeavor, while VBN does not appear to have much to offer. Overall, the TPB has already proven to hold a relatively high predictive value. But with the state of ecosystem services continuing to decline on a global scale, it's important for models of GPB to become more accurate and reliable. Better models have the capacity to help marketing professionals, product developers, and policy makers develop strategies for encouraging consumers to buy green products. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Sustainability 2012

Tournament poker shows have become a leading ratings draw on American television. Since ESPN and the Travel Channel began airing their innovative poker shows in 2003, the game has reached a new following, particularly among college students. There are unique and psychologically significant factors that characterize the college population that make students particularly receptive to popular characterizations in media. This study investigates the potential exacerbating effect that these widely popular poker television shows have on the gambling behavior of college students. 444 college students completed a survey designed to assess gratifications sought through media along with measures of attitudes, gambling behavior, and social systems. Using Social Cognitive Theory as a framework of influence, exposure to these shows – ranging from the individual student to the overall college environment – was assessed and evaluated. Results indicated that student gambling is strongly correlated to viewership of poker shows, particularly among younger students. This was especially seen among students who utilized the online gambling option. Gambling behavior of peers wasn't shown to be a strong influence for student gambling. However, excitement was shown to be a strong variable that should be looked at closer.

As the environmental problems worsen, green restaurants are an essential strategy for survival in the restaurant industry. Even though previous researchers have investigated the intention to visit a green restaurant with norm activation theory, they did not consider the characteristics of prosocial behavior and the green restaurant and the impact of other external factors, such as types of information cues and social class, was overlooked. Considering these points, the primary objectives of this study were to extend existing theory with perceived burdensomeness and social connectedness and to identify the difference in the impact of types of information cues and a moderating role of social cues. Using an experimental design with hypothetical scenarios, respondents were randomly assigned to one of two different scenarios (intrinsic cues vs. extrinsic cues). The results showed that the participants who received intrinsic cues responded lower than the participants who received extrinsic cues in the awareness of consequences, perceived burdensomeness, and social connectedness. Antecedents of personal norm in the extended norm activation theory had a positive impact on personal norm. In the case of the moderating role of social class, there were interaction effects between social class and information in every construct except perceived burdensomeness. Further discussion and implications are provided in the main body of this study.

Comprendre ce qui amène un leader à émettre des comportements de leadership transformationnel fascine les chercheurs et praticiens depuis plusieurs années (Bommer, Rubin, & Baldwin, 2004; Bono & Judge, 2004; Shamir & Howell, 1999 ; Stogdill, 1948; Yukl, 1999). Or, jusqu’à présent, ces facteurs sont encore bien peu étudiés et compris comparativement aux conséquences de ce style de leadership. Dans cette lignée, la présente thèse répond à différents enjeux soulevés par les auteurs à ce sujet (Dinh & Lord, 2012; Zaccaro, 2007) en cherchant à préciser le rôle joué par différents antécédents individuels et contextuels du leadership transformationnel. Cet objectif sera poursuivi par l’adoption d’une perspective interactionniste qui intègre des antécédents de personnalité et de contexte ainsi par l’évaluation de la personnalité à l’aide d’une modélisation de la personnalité orientée vers le critère à prédire (variable composite). La présente thèse est composée de trois articles poursuivant les objectifs suivant : 1) Effectuer une synthèse de la littérature empirique portant sur les antécédents individuels et contextuels du leadership transformationnel; 2) Vérifier les liens empiriques entre la personnalité mesurée à l’aide de variables composites, plus précisément le modèle des Great Eight de Bartram (2005), et le leadership transformationnel; 3) Tester empiriquement l’effet d’interaction entre les variables de personnalité et les variables contextuelles pour prédire le leadership transformationnel. Le premier article vise d’abord à circonscrire et organiser les connaissances empiriques actuelles provenant d’une quarantaine d’articles concernant les antécédents du leadership transformationnel. L’article s’organise en trois thèmes principaux : les antécédents individuels de personnalité, les antécédents contextuels et l’étude des interactions entre le volet individuel et contextuel. Plusieurs constats et pistes de recherches sont discutés et mettent la table pour les deux articles subséquents. Ainsi, le second article s’intéresse au potentiel explicatif d’un modèle de personnalité orienté vers le critère pour prédire le leadership. Plus spécifiquement, le modèle des Great Eight proposé par Bartram (2005) est mis en relation avec les comportements de leadership transformationnel et de récompense contingente. Les résultats, obtenus auprès de 113 gestionnaires et de leurs 799 subordonnés, donnent peu d’appui à la valeur ajoutée du modèle utilisé, mais indiquent que certaines tendances de personnalité sont associées au leadership. Des analyses supplémentaires permettent de nuancer la compréhension des effets observés dans la documentation scientifique et offrent quelques pistes de groupements de traits pouvant prédire les différents comportements de leadership. Le troisième article s’inspire de la théorie de l’activation des traits (Tett & Burnett, 2003) pour vérifier l’effet combiné de la personnalité du gestionnaire et du contexte dans lequel il évolue en vue de prédire le leadership transformationnel. Les résultats (ngestionnaires = 89; nsubordonnés = 643) n’offrent qu’un appui modéré au rationnel sous-jacent du modèle de l’activation des traits. Toutefois, il en ressort que l’aspect relationnel du gestionnaire (opérationnalisé par le composite de personnalité « soutien et coopération ») est associé à l’émergence du leadership transformationnel uniquement lorsque les facteurs contextuels (considération organisationnelle, latitude décisionnelle) sont perçus positivement par le gestionnaire. L’étude permet donc d’éclaircir une part de la variabilité observée dans les études antérieures concernant la tendance relationnelle du gestionnaire, en soulignant sa sensibilité à des facteurs contextuels positifs. / Understanding what can influence a leader to demonstrate transformational leadership behaviours has intrigued researchers and practitioners for several years (Bommer, Rubin, & Baldwin, 2004; Bono & Judge, 2004; Shamir & Howell, 1999; Stogdill, 1948; Yukl, 1999). Yet, until now, these factors were little researched and poorly understood in comparison to the consequences of this type of leadership. Along these lines, this thesis answers to numerous issues raised by authors on this topic (Dinh & Lord, 2012; Zaccaro, 2007) by seeking to clarify the role of different individual and situational antecedents of transformational leadership. This objective is pursued through the adoption of an interactionist perspective which integrates individual and contextual antecedents to the assessment of personality supported by a criterion-centric personality model (compound variable). This thesis is composed of three articles that pursue the following objectives: 1) Review empirical literature on individual and contextual antecedents of transformational leadership; 2) Validate the empirical links between a new personality model (i.e. compound variable) and transformational leadership; 3) Test empirically the correlations between personality and contextual variables to predict transformational leadership. The first article aims to review and organize the current empirical knowledge from more than forty articles regarding transformational leadership indicators. The article is built on three major themes: the individual personality factors, the contextual elements and the study of the interaction between both. Multiple findings and research leads are discussed and set the stage for the following articles. In turn, the second article investigates the explanatory potential of a criterion-centric personality model to predict leadership. Specifically, the Great Eight model, put forward by Bartram (2005) is leveraged to understand the relationships between behaviours tied to transformational and transactional leadership. Results from a survey of 113 managers and their 799 subordinates provide little support for the explanatory value of this model, but indicate that some personality traits are associated with leadership. Further analysis allows us to put the results in perspective with the academic literature and provide some insights regarding the potential for some personality trait groupings to predict leadership behaviours. The third article builds on the traits activation theory (Tett & Burnett, 2003) to validate the combined effects of a manager’s personality and the context in which he or she operates to predict transformational leadership. The results ((nmanagers = 89; nsubordinates = 643) offer limited support to the rationale underlying the traits activation theory. Yet, it appears a manager’s relational traits (operationalized by the personality compound variable “supporting and cooperating”) are correlated to demonstrations of transformational leadership, when contextual factors (organizational consideration, decision latitude) are perceived positively by the manager. As a result, this research sheds some light on an element of variability put forth in previous studies regarding a manager’s relational inclinations by highlighting its sensitivity to positive contextual factors.

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