Learning outside the laboratory: Ability and non-ability influences on acquiring political knowledge

The purpose of this study was to identify sources of individual differences in knowledge acquired under natural conditions. Through its direct influence on background knowledge, crystallized intelligence (Gc) had a major impact on political knowledge, acquired over a period of more than 2 months, but there were independent influences of personality and interest factors, via exposure to political information through activities like reading the newspaper. We also found sex differences in political knowledge, favoring males, and these differences could not be explained in terms of any of the predictor variables we modeled. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the results.     

Frameworks for integrating interdisciplinary research

Interdisciplinary research can be defined by the presence of substantive, internalized linkages among component analyses. Three levels of integration of component analyses are defined. The weakest is associated with multidisciplinary research in which components stand on their own. Integration here involves editorial organization, consistent terminology, and concordant concepts. The strongest level involves a shared, over-arching theoretical framework which welds components into a unit. Most interdisciplinary research can realistically aspire only to an intermediate level of integration wherein disciplinary components serve as substantive inputs to each other.Attainment of well-integrated interdisciplinary research is a complex task. This study identifies four frameworks useful in integration based on a probe of 24 technology assessments. Common group learning generates a common intellectual property belonging to the research group. It yields well-integrated research, but often at the cost of a loss of depth of analysis. Formal modeling can structure interrelationships, and, thereby, serve as an integrating framework. Modeling is most applicable to well-specified problems, but it can contribute, in conjunction with other frameworks, to broader, policy-oriented studies as well. Negotiation among experts takes place at the common boundaries between component analyses as these substantively affect each other's findings. It preserves the full depth of expertise and can be used in broad-ranging studies. Integration by the project leader establishes one person as the sole repository of composite knowledge, obtained through one-to-one interactions with assorted experts. It is not well-suited to interdisciplinary research, except in small-scale studies.     

On purposeful systems : Russelle L. Ackoff and Fred E. Emery. 288 pages,diagrams, 6x9in., Aldine-Atherton; Chicago,I11., Tavistock,London, 1972. Price, $12.95 (£3.50).

A closed-form analytical expression for evaluation of the output noise voltage of active-R filters has been developed. The expression is applicable to any low-pass, band-pass or high-pass two amplifier second order active-R realization. The expression for the noise voltage has been derived in terms of the filter specifications and parameters of noise sources contained within the filter. Thus, it is very convenient for practical calculations. The expression is also useful for obtaining a design that minimizes the magnitude of the output noise. Experimental measurements indicate close agreement with the theroetical analysis.