Search results

This case report demonstrates the value of creativity and patience in a project that crossed time periods and disciplines. Google Ngram Viewer was used to assess age-related stereotypes as represented in literature published from 1800 through the year 2000. I discuss some of the challenges faced as we gathered information from diverse disciplines, applied a new methodology to test old research questions, and struggled with the most effective way to communicate our findings.

ABSTRACTScience is believed to be an important part of public policy decision making because of its inherent characteristics of measurability, rigor, objectivity, replication, and peer review. The purpose of this research was to explore the linkage of science to public policy decision making. The research explores what state and local public officials know about science and how much they actually use science in their decision making. Interview results with public officials in the State of Idaho demonstrate that policy makers ultimately see science as only one element in the mix. Findings suggest that equal attention and debate should be given to how science interacts with all of the other factors that affect the public policy making process.

Dear readers, this is my last essay as editor of Families in Society. I would like to thank all those readers, authors, reviewers, and staff who have worked together on the journal in the last three and a half years during my term. As social work's most enduring professional journal, your contributions advance translational research on issues related to the capabilities of individuals, families, and communities, including the myriad factors that affect functioning and well-being. This research capacity is part of our overall commitment to inform and inspire collaboration between participants, service providers, and other community stakeholders that will drive positive change. I am counting on your continued support for the journal and for the ideas and values it promotes.

Personal note: I want to thank the Alliance for Children and Families for the opportunity to serve as editor of Families in Society. Following in William Powell's footsteps is no easy task. Powell's accomplishments over the last 10 years contributed to the shaping of the journal's unique review process, its stellar presentation online, tailoring the variety of journal offerings to the interests of readers, and attracting and engaging the team of outstanding associate and consulting editors. I hope to continue the legacy and excellence of this publication.

Finding ways to increase trust may be one mechanism to overcome the alleged negative consequences of urban sprawl for neighborhoods. This study explores two relationships with community design and trust. First, is one benefit of some of the underlying concepts of New Urbanism design that they build trust? Second, can these design concepts overcome one undesirable feature of cities: the deleterious effect of income inequality on trust? This study uses survey data collected from 34 city of Boise neighborhoods and 2000 US census data aggregated to the neighborhood level to examine the effects of street design, sidewalks and open space on building trust and moderating the effect of income inequality on trust. The study finds that cul-de-sac designed streets, sidewalks and parks or open space increase trust. There is no evidence that design features actually moderate the effects of income inequality on trust. The findings suggest that local governments can influence the quality of life for residents in their communities through neighborhood design even if municipalities cannot use design to moderate the effects of income equality on trust.