IOSR-JHSS   Volume-19 ~ Issue-7 ~ July-2014

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Poor Governance in Egypt, an Obstacle to Economic Development
Country	:	Egypt
Authors	:	Dr Taha Kassem
	:	10.9790/0837-19720114

Abstract: Good governance is a prerequisite for a high level of economic development, while poor or bad governance results in a low level of economic development. Egypt as a case study represents an obvious example of the later. This paper aims at clarifying the correlation between the type of governance and the level of economic development. First, this paper starts with an introduction which briefly identifies the aim of the paper, the nature of governance and the adopted school of thought concerning the relation between governance and economic development. Second, it sheds light on the World Bank indicators of governance and their application on Egypt and the type of governance which Egypt witnessed during the rule of Mubarak and his predecessors .Third, it clarifies the impact of governance in Egypt on the economic development aspects. Finally, it concludes with some concluding remarks.
Keywords: economic development- elements of good governance- grand and petty corruption- the governance for growth theory- national integrity system

[1]. Amin, M. et al 2012. After the Spring: economic transitions in the Arab World
[2]. Bloom, D., Steven, D. & Weston, M. (2004) Governance matters: the role of governance in Asian Economic Development.World Economics.
[3]. Burnside, C. & Dollar, D. (1998) Aid, the incentive regime and poverty reduction.Policy Research Working Paper No. 1937. Washington, DC: World Bank.,
[4]. CAPMAS, Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, 2013. Indicators of Labor and Wages
[5]. CAPMAS, Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, 2006. Labor Market Panel Surveys
[6]. CAPMAS, Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, 2013. Statistical Year Book

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	The Impact of Capital Market Behaviour on a Nation's Economic Growth: a Case of Nigeria
Country	:	Nigeria
Authors	:	Ajayi Oziomobo Dada
	:	10.9790/0837-19721528

Abstract: The Nigerian capital market behaviour in relation to its economic development efforts is hamstrung by factors like information asymmetric, regulation overbearing, inconsistency and insider trading which had been the hindering factors in the development of the market. Suffice to say that capital market is an economic barometer usually use to detect the economic pulse of any nation in their quest to toe the line of thresh hold in the comity of nations; which spurred my interest in the behaviour of capital market as it relate to its nation's economic growth and development function with the key area of human behaviour that is constantly hindering the market development in consonance with behavioral finance as it plays complementary role with long held efficient market hypothesis. Though, the impact of the stock market on the Nigeria economic growth rate is found to be insignificant due to structural rigidities that characterized the economic policies. The market plays a key role in helping to accelerate the Nigerian economic growth and development. Therefore recommend that the adoption of strategic management principles and appropriate enabling rules and regulations should be applied to minimize regulatory inconsistency and policy somersault with negative consequences.
Key words: Asymmetric information, Capital market, Behavioural finance, efficient market hypothesis, and economic growth.

[1]. Adamu t al. (1990). Issues in Privatization and Capital Market Develompmet. Conference of Capital Market Development and Privatization, (pp. 14-16). Bombay.
[2]. Atoyebi. (2013). Capital market and Economic Growth in Nigeria an Emperical Analysis. Journal of social science , 66-68.
[3]. Augusting, N. &. (2012). Adoption of Strategic Management Approach in the Capital Development: The Nigerian Case. International Journal of Economic and Finance , 223.
[4]. Azeez, O. a. (2012). A Test of Strong Form of Efficiency of the Nigerian Capital Market. Business system review , Vol. 1, Issue 1.
[5]. Bank, W. (2007). Global Financial Crisis. US: World Bank Reports.
[6]. Bayero. (1996). Benefits of capital Market to Indegnious enterprises in nigeria. Security Market Journal, Special edition , 1-86.
[7]. Brtion. (2003)

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	The Challenge of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Local Level: Become Pragmatic or an Accelerator of a Good Governance?
Country	:	Indonesia
Authors	:	Edy Budi Susilo, Hary Yuswadi
	:	10.9790/0837-19722933

Abstract: This study focused on the interaction of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government bureaucracy. This type of study used qualitative descriptive studies, concluded that the interaction between NGOs and government bureaucracy in Jember is still hard to actuate a good governance. It's caused NGOs still focus their orientation on interests of individuals or each groups, so that less favors the interests of the community. occurred because the typology of Government Bureaucracy was more dominant on conservative rather than visionary. On the other hand the typology of NGOs in Jember dominantly was also more pragmatic (NGOs were affiliated on businessmen, officials, political parties and economical interests) compared to NGOs that are idealistic. So that in doing the interaction, government bureaucracy and NGOs more dominant only oriented on pragmatic interests mere ( individually, group ) than to public interest. It occurred because the typology of NGOs were more dominantly on pragmatic orientation (NGOs are affiliated on businessmen, officials, political parties and economical interests) compared to NGOs that are idealistic. Secondly, government bureaucracy in Jember is more dominant bureaucrats who are conservative compared to bureaucrats who are visionary. It is not only dominantly on the amount of but also in the position of its bureaucrats that average be in leaders level, so it tends to create a bad governance.
Key word: Government Bureaucracy, NGOs, Interactions and Good Governance

[1]. Aberbach, Joel. D., et.al., 1981. Politicians and Bureaucrats in Western Democracy. London: Oxford University Press.
[2]. Bakesbangpol dan Linmas Jember (2012)
[3]. Metro TV, In footnote, February 14, 2014
[4]. Toha, Miftah. 2003. Dimensions of Public Administration. Jakarta: PT. Radja Grafindo Persada
[5]. Hagul, Peter. (1995). Rural Development and NGOs, Rajawali, Jakarta.
[6]. http://www.suaramandar.com
[7]. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 32 Year 2004 on Regional Government.

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Banking Liquidity in Morocco
Country	:	Morocco
Authors	:	Mouhtadi Aouatif
	:	10.9790/0837-19723439

Abstract: The latest financial crisis that shook the world and its effects continue to worsen, especially the successive failures of major international banks (Lehman Brothers in the United States for example) have returned to the center stage the issue of banking risks including liquidity risk. This risk must be currently managed by more sophisticated methods. The central purpose of this research is the analysis of the liquidity of Moroccan banking sector, because ultimately all proposed routes are articulated around it. Thus, monetary policy tends to naturally control the increase in the volume of money and quasi-money supply available to the agents of non-banking sector to make it compatible with the rate of change of the aggregate supply of goods and services, that is to say, the gross domestic product. This article provides evidence, based on a retrospective analysis of the various underlying causes of under bank liquidity

Key words: Morocco, Banking Liquidity, Money market, crisis of liquidity

[1]. Allen (F.) and Scale (D.) (2005), "From cash-in-tea market pricing to financial fragility", Newspaper off the European Economic Association, vol. 3, exit 2-3, p. 535-546
[2]. BASEL COMMITTEE ONE BANKING SUPERVISION (2000), "Sound Pratices for Managing Liquidity in Banking Organizations", February.
[3]. Borio (C.) (2004) "Market distress and vanishing liquidity:anatomy and policy options", (A) Working Papers, n° 158
[4]. DEMEY P., A. FRACHOT and G. RIBOULET (2003), "Introduction to banking management credit-liability ", Economica.
[5]. Goodfriend (Mr.) and King (R.A.) (1988), "central Financial deregulation, monetary policy and banking", in Haraf (W.S.) and Kushmeider (R.M.) (eds.), Federal Reserve Bank off Richmond, Economic Review, 3 May 22nd, th and th /juin

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Effectiveness of a Consumer Education Programme for Higher Secondary School Students
Country	:	India
Authors	:	Sasikumar.P, Dr.P. Usha
	:	10.9790/0837-19724044

Abstract: All education programs aims at creating awareness, attitude, and skill among the intended group. The study focuses on the development of a Consumer Education Programme, which aims to create awareness on consumer issues. The sample constituted a representative group of XI students of selected school of Kozhikode District. Mean Difference analysis is used to test the effectiveness of the developed consumer educationprogramme. Analysis of pretest and posttest scores reveals that there is significant difference in the mean scores of the pretest and posttest on consumer awareness of the selected sample. The findings show that the developed programme is effective. This type of programme will promote the development of similar awareness programs since the exploitation of consumers has been always at a high rate.
Key words: Consumer Awareness, Consumer Education,Higher Secondary school students.

[1]. Block, E.C. (1976).Essentials of Consumer Behaviour: Illinois, The Dryden Press.
[2]. Hellman, G (1985).Promoting Consumer Education in Schools: Penang.
[3]. School curriculum development Committee. (1987).Curriculum Development for Consumer Education: England and Wales.
[4]. Fazal, A &Sing.B. (1991).Consumer education: A Resource Hand Book: International Organization for Consumer Unions. Malaysia
[5]. Childer.T&Rao.A.R. (1992).The Influence of familial and peer based reference groups on consumer decisions. Journal of Consumer Research, Inc.vol.19.
[6]. Kostecky, M.M. (1995). The consumer in a socialist economy. European Journal of Marketing, vol.19.

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	A study of home in Robert Frost's poetry
Country	:	India
Authors	:	Dr.Mamata Rath
	:	10.9790/0853-19724548

Abstract: An attempt has been made in this article to give a background of the "homebound vision" in American poetry as reflected in some of the American poets of the twentieth century. In this paper a research has been done in related to family values. The family behaviours are always shaped by the culture and values. Social changes in the society have taken place as suddenly as an earthquake, and, no wonder, the Americans speak the language of loss and moral crisis. They have lost all the values fit to a family. So, they must try to re-establish those values in the family they live in. In this present scenario it is necessary to reconstruct the home with values associated with it, which have been denuded by other forces. So, the literary figures of America took the responsibility to set an ideal picture of home through their work. Their literary works (poetry) focus on family values to re-establish the American culture to overcome violence and establish peace and values in the society. The goal of this article is to understand the present and the which is the centre of learning morality, The family behaviours are always shaped by the culture and values. Social changes in the society have taken place as suddenly as an earthquake, and, no wonder, the Americans speak the language of loss and moral crisis. They have lost all the values fit to a family. So, they must try to re-establish those values in the family they live in. In this present scenario it is necessary to reconstruct the home with values associated with it, which have been denuded by other forces.
Keywords: Culture and tradition, Home bound vision, Moral values, American Poetry, Exploring harmony

[1]. Frost, Robert. Selected Poems of Robert Frost-- With Introduction by Robert Graves. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. New York. Chicago. San Francisco. Toronto
[2]. Pierce, Frances.(1990). "American Families: Portraits of African—American Families." Yale Newhaven Teacher‟s Institute. www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculam/units/1990.
[3]. Spark Notes Editors. "Spark Notes on Frost‟s Early Poems." Spark Notes.com. Spark Notes LLC. 2002. Web. 1st March.2012"Themes, Motives and Symbols." www.sparknotes.com/poetry/frost/themes.html
[4]. Wilson, James Q. (1993) "The Family-- Values Debate." Source: Commentary, April 1993. 24-31.

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Execution of Anti-Poverty Sub-Plan---A Case Study of Digambarpur Gram Panchayet, Patharpratima Block, South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal
Country	:	India
Authors	:	Manjira Adhikary, Dr. Sandipan Chakraborty
	:	10.9790/0837-19724955

Abstract: Poverty is the condition where the basic needs of people, i.e. food, clothing and shelter are not available uniformly. Poverty, when considered as a relative term, it shows the difference in standard of living as well as economic and socio-cultural disparity among the people in a society. Panchayeti Raj Institutions are implementing various poverty alleviation programmes as well as some important social security programme with an objective to'Usher Economic Development' and 'Social Justice'. One of the major objectives from these interventions is that every individual living within the respective areas of a Gram Panchayet may remain totally free from hunger and is generally above the level of destitution. One such attempt has been taken by the Digambarpur Gram Panchayet (GP) of Patharpratima block, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal to reduce the differences in existing socio-economic situation by assisting the destitute people. Total 117 respondents are selected from the sampled households for assistance based on Rural Household Survey (RHS). The various types of assistance were supplied from the local self government funded both by different government departments, as well as personal initiatives. The objectives of the present paper is primarily to reveal the nature and status of socio-economic boosting especially to eradicate the poverty and to enhance the standard of living as a part of maintaining healthy society based on the attempt of the GP. The study is regarding execution of the 'Sahai sub-plan' in the GP at Gram Sansad (GS) level and its success story. The data is based on a report obtained from the GP itself and certain other information obtained primarily from the GP through interviews of the village people.
Keywords: Sahai sub-plan, destitute, Gram Panchayat (GP), Gram Sansad (GS).

[1]. Guidelines for SAHAI Programme, (2007). Panchayet and Rural development Department, Government of West Bengal, (2007).

[2]. Handbook of Rural Development Programmes in India, (2011 – 12), Govt. of India

[3]. Hemanta Saikia, Prodip Kumar Adhyapok, 2013, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Rural Development in India

[4]. K. R. Gupta, 2009, Rural Development in India (Vol. 1) 01 Edition, Atlantic Publishers,

[5]. Katar Singh, (2009). Rural development: Principles, Policies and Management, 3rd edition, Sage Publications India Pvt. Ltd.
[6]. Misra, Suresh (2002): New trends in community initiatives: Panchayets in action; Journal of Rural Development; Vol. 21 No. 3, National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, pp. 395-410

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Functional Role of Colour in Preattentive Cognitive Processing from Thematic Map Images
Country	:	India
Authors	:	Vineeta John
	:	10.9790/0837-19725664

Abstract: The growing use of colour in thematic map design and production, particularly in GIS based mapping environments, brings to notice a state of affairs where at least certain basic rules are required to be made to help in better, effective and efficient use of colour. One approach towards this end appears in efforts towards making the map image and input from it more compatible with the human visual processing system. This entails selection and structuring of the visual variables and the ensuing sign system of map graphics into a map image in a way in which such structuring results in an increase in the efficiency of information processing system. Many aspects of use of these visual variables from the commonly used term colour i.e. hue, value and chroma in symbolisation of thematic maps have not been investigated individually in the areas as segregation of map image's focal realm form its peripheral realm or in other words the figure from its ground, organising perceptual groups, creating visual hierarchies by depth cues. The present paper attempts to fill certain gaps in studies related to the effects of the use of visual variables hue, value and chroma individually or in combination in map symbolisation on the preattentive stage of visual processing of information. These effects will be studied in case of area symbolised and line symbolised maps including those graduated point symbolised maps where colour dimensions are used as area fills in the blank outline symbol forms. Evidence in support of these effects will be sought from the experimental studies in design research in thematic cartography and psychology.
Keywords: Colour Dimensions, Colour Use, Visual Information Processing, Preattentive Processing, Chroma, Hue, Value, Figure ground, Hierarchical Organisation, Visual Organisation

[1]. Robinson, A. H., Petchenick, Barbara B. (1976) Seeing and Mapping, in Nature of Maps: Essays towards Understanding the Nature of Maps and Mapping, University of Chicago Press.
[2]. Jenks, G. F. (1973) Visual Integration in Thematic Mapping: Fact or Fiction, International Yearbook of Cartography 13, 27-35.
[3]. Peterson, Michael P. (1987) The Mental Image in cartographic Communication, Cartographic Journal, 24:1, 35-41.
[4]. Fitts, P. M., Seeger, C. M. (1953) S-R Compatibility: Spatial Characteristics of Stimulus and Response Codes, Journal of Experimental Psychology, 46, 199-210.
[5]. Lachman, R., Lachman, J. L., Butterfield, E. C. (1979) Cognitive Psychology and Information Processing: An Introduction, Erlbaum. Hilsdale, N. J.
[6]. Petchenik, B. B. (1983) A Map Marker‟s Perspective on Map Design Research 1950-1980 In Graphic communication and Design in Contemporary Cartography, Taylor D.R.F.,37-68,Wiley, New York.

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Message Discrimination on the Basis of Gender for BeautyProducts' TV Commercials
Country	:	Pakistan
Authors	:	Saima Zareen , DrArshad Ali , Asma Rana
	:	10.9790/0837-19726581

Abstract: This study aims to determine the message discrimination on gender on the basis of beauty product's TV commercials. To achieve the objectives of the study target population was selected from the University of Gujrat with the sample size of 120 in which 75 were males and 75 were females. This study revealed resultthat both males and females have high exposure towards TV and both are influenced by the TV commercials of beauty products.

[1]. Admin,(2012). http://irecommendnetwork.com/goto/beauty (Retrieved 15 August, 2012)
[2]. Answers. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2012, from Wiki.answers: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_questions_do_not_have_enough_information_to_be_answered_on_WikiAnswers
[3]. Ashudazzaman, M., & Rehman, S. u. (2009). Impact of TV advertisement on the buying pattern of women in the Dhaka city. European journal of business and management Vol 3 No.3
[4]. Audrey, B., Cyrrielle, C., & Quentin, L. (2007). The customer behavior in the men's cosmetic market.
[5]. Dissertation in marketing 15 ECTS.
[6]. Bashir, A., & Malik, N. I. (2009). Effects of advertisement on consumer behavior of University
[7]. students. Proceedings 2nd CBRC .

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Understanding Social Exclusion from Environmental (In) justice Perspective: An Emphasis on India's North East
Country	:	India
Authors	:	Jhimli Bhattacharjee
	:	10.9790/0837-19728288

Abstract: The lack of equal access of people to safe and desired environment can add another dimension to the concept of social exclusion. The incorporation of the dimension of environmental justice can thus broaden the horizon of the concept of social exclusion. The paper thus attempts to understand social exclusion from environmental justice perspective and tried to understand the social exclusion of tribal people in North East India caused equally by the lack of safe and desired environment.

Keywords: Social exclusion, environmental justice, North East India, inclusion, growth

[1]. Wenz, Peter , The Importance of Environmental Justice, Merchant Carolyn Ecology Rawat Publications , Jaipur and New Delhi, 1996
[2]. Collin et al 1995, Environmental Racism: A Challenge to Community Development Journal of Black Studies, vol. 25, No 3, January
[3]. Bullard, Robert, Environmental Racism and the Environmental Justice Movement Bullard (ed), Confronting Environmental Racism, Boston South Press1993
[4]. Laduke, Winova , From Resistance to Regeneration‟ in Merchant Carolyn Ecology Rawat Publications Jaipur and New Delhi, 1996

[5]. Sherry Cable and Michael Benson, Acting Locally: Environmental Injustice and Emergence of Grass-Roots Environmental Organizations, Social problems,Vol.40,No.4 (Nov) 1993.
[6]. Silver, Reconceptualising Social Disadvantage: Three Paradigms of Social Exclusion, in Social Exclusion: Rhetoric, Reality, Responses, Edited by Gerry Rodgers, Charles Gore, and Jose Figneiredo. Geneva: International Institute for Labour Studies 1995.
[7]. Williams Glyn and Mawdsley Emma , Postcolonial environmental justice: Government and governance in India , Geoforum, 37, 2006, 660-670 .

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Cultural Bound Syndrome: A Case of Iyol-Genen among Females of Tiv Origin in Nigeria
Country	:	Nigeria
Authors	:	Labe Ransome Msughve, Chia, Perptua Ngosoo, Kuzah, Martins Terseer and Shimakaa, Andrew Iorlumun
	:	10.9790/0837-19728995

Abstract: This study examined "Iyol-genen" and presents it as an appraisal of the concept of Cultural-Bound syndrome which in Tiv society is a specific gender related psychotic-like reactive disorder prevalent among women from their puberty to adulthood. The research adopted a qualitative general survey approach of interview to determine that the disorder is a cultural bound syndrome affecting only women in the Tiv ethnic group. A total of 40 selected women participants age 13 to 35 that experiences this disorder were interviewed. In the analysis of the respondent's information, it was found that Iyol-genen, which predominantly affects women, has genetic linkage which was confirmed from two different identical twin sisters as well as sisters of the same parents.It is also a genealogical psychopathological disorder which peculiarly disturbssomewomen from particular families in all parts of the Tiv geographical location. This may be linked to the Tiv ancestral connection as they share similar ancestral characteristics.The disorder has no specific medication be it traditional or orthodox for treatment and cure but self-remitting. However, different people give different things such as holy water, squeezed sap of "Vambe" or powder charcoal mixed in water at the instance of each episode of the disorder which often coincidently restores the patient to normality. It is therefore the position of this study to recommend for further research to identify the why and what precipitate Iyol-genen in only female population living out men who are also Tiv and to develop a treatment that will help to reduce the demoralizing mental health problem. Keywords: Iyol-genen, women and cultural-bound syndrome

[1]. Achebe C. (1986). OgbaNje. Enugu: Fourth Dimension.
[2]. Acka, K.N. (2014). Anxiety disorders. Unpublished manuscript Department of Clinical Psychology,Federal medical Centre Makurdi.
[3]. Aina, O.F. &Morakinyo, O. (2010).Culture–bound syndromes and the neglect of cultural factors in psychopathologies among Africans. Retrieved from doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajpsy.v14i4.4.
[4]. Aina, O.F, &Famuyiwa, O.O. (2007).OgunOru: A traditional explanation for Nocturnal Neuropsychiatric Disturbances among the Yoruba of South West Nigeria. Transcultural Psychiatry; 44 (1):44-54.
[5]. Ayorind e S. (2008)."Okada" rider alleges theft of private part. The Punch February 1, pp5.(Ed). Punch (Nig.) Limited, OnipetesiIkeja, Lagos

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Investigating and Recognizing the Effect of Mass Media on In-creased Public Understanding of Science: A Case of Isfahan Citi-zens
Country	:	Iran
Authors	:	Zahra Maher, Ali Rabbani
	:	10.9790/0837-197296109

Abstract: Upon the citizens' completion of their formal education, media become their most accessible and sometimes the only source of information on scientific achievements, debates, events and scientists' work. Science and scientists are displayed in the mass media on a day-to-day basis. People gain the major part of their knowledge on science and scientists through television and other mass media. The present study was con-ducted to investigate the effect of mass media on increased public understanding of science. The population of the study consisted of all Isfahan citizens aged over 15 years old. A number of 384 citizens were selected as the participants using quota sampling method. Data analysis was done using SPSS and Amos software. The results showed that the mean score of public interest in the topics of science and technology was above average. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude toward science and technology though the findings revealed that the citizens' level of scientific knowledge was below the average. Moreover, the majority of people were found to gain their understanding of science throughout their lifetime so that they collect the information necessary for this understating from an array of situations and for various reasons such as the mass media. The variable 'mass media' obtained a Gamma coefficient of 0.36 in the structural equation model and proved to exert a sig-nificant effect on the public understanding of science. The fit indices indicate that the collected data well con-firmed the developed model.

Keywords: Public understanding of science, Mass media, Scientific citizen, Learning society, contextual model

[1]. Anderson, D. (1999) ―Understanding the Impact of Post-visit Activities on Students' Knowledge Construction of Electricity and Magnetism as a Result of a Visit to an Interactive Science Centre,‖ Unpublished doctoral dis-sertation, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
[2]. Anderson, D., Lucas, K., Ginns, I. and Dierking, L.D. (2000) ―Development of Knowledge about Electricity and Magnetism during a Visit to a Science Museum and Related Post-visit Activities,‖ Science Education 84(5):658-79.
[3]. Fortner, R. (1986). Relative effectiveness of classroom and documentaryfilm presentations on marine mammals. Journal of Re-search in Science Teaching, 22, 115-126.
[4]. Ghanei Rad, M.A., Morshedi, A. (2011) ―A Survey of Public Understanding of Science and Technology, A case Study on Tehran Citizens,‖ Science and Technology Policy, 3(3):93-110.
[5]. Ghasemi, V. (2010) ―Structural Equation Modeling Using Amos Software,‖ Tehran: Jame-e Shenasan.
[6]. Ghazi Tabatabaie, M., Dadhir, B.A. (2007) ―Sociology of Science-Technology: Pondering over Recent Changes in the Sociology of Science,‖ Letter of Social Sciences 21 (86)..

Paper Type	:	Research Paper
Title	:	Exploring factors affecting the Greek high school students' participation in Geographical and Environmental Research Project using social Web 2.0 applications. A case study
Country	:	Greece
Authors	:	Evi Exarchou, Aikaterini Klonari
	:	10.9790/0837-1972110114

Abstract: This study is a continuation of the previous year's work on the analysis of sociocultural constructivist interactions of Greek high school students (N=16) during an eight-month geographical and environmental research project in a social computing and specifically a free social bookmarking site, Diigo. All learning actions led students to reach the higher phase of sociocultural constructivist interaction, progressively developing essential geographic skills, creating an active social network (with remarkable distinction in the cohesion, power and role structures). The results also showed that the density value of students' interaction and the quality of their discussion were at a satisfactory level with most complete exchanges, throughout the project. However, there were significant differences in individual participation rates of students in the exploratory process (i.e., inactive, moderate, and active). This was important information for us and we needed to further explore the factors affecting the students' participation in corresponding actions. Searching the literature, we identified the factors, such as students' course performance, previous experience and a variety of sociodemographic characteristics with potential influence on their participation. Thus in this study, we correlated the activity and quality of students' project participation with the above factors. The results of correlation analysis suggest that their participation level was positively and significantly correlated with their previous experience in geographical and environmental actions at the 0.01 level. Also, their participation level was positively related to their gender and parental education level. On the other hand, there were negative but at a moderate level of correlation between their participation level and their performance in courses theoretical direction and financial stability.

Keywords: Learner participation, Geographical and Environmental Research Project, Social Web 2.0, Sociocultural Constructivist Interaction

[1] P. N. Chou and H. H. Chen, Engagement in online collaborative learning: A case study using a Web 2.0 tool, Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 4(4), 2008, 574-582

[2] A. Nevgi, P. Virtanen, and H. Niemi, Supporting students to develop collaborative learning skills in technology-based environments, British journal of educational technology, 37(6), 2006, 937-947.

[3] Y. Woo, and T.C. Reeves, Meaningful interaction in web-based learning: A social constructivist interpretation, The Internet and Higher Education, 10(1), 2007, 15-25.

[4] T. Scott, M. Cole, and M. Engel, Computers and education: A cultural constructivist perspective, Review of Research in Education, 18, 1992, 191-251.

[5] C. Kynigos, Niches for Constructionism: forging connections for practice and theory, Proc. Conf. on Constructionism 2012, Theory, practice and impact, Greece, 2012, 40-51.
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