a research paper (RR 791) by Lorna Adams, Katie Oldfield, Catherine Riley and Andrew Skone James (IFF Research) published by the DWP (February 2012)
This report details findings from a study conducted to explore the destinations of a cohort of individuals who ended a claim for Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), Income Support (IS) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This study aimed to provide the best possible estimate of the immediate and substantive destinations of leavers from JSA, IS and ESA benefit groups. The study explores movement into paid employment and the sustainability of this employment for each benefit group; movement onto and between different out-of-work benefits; and other reasons for ending a benefit claim. Information on leavers’ salaries and number of hours worked was also collected.
Full report (PDF 120pp)
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Gender gaps in PISA test scores: the impact of social norms and the mother's transmission of role attitudes
a discussion paper (IZA DP No. 6338) by Ainara González de San Román (UPV-EHU) and Sara de la Rica Goiricelay (UPV-EHU, FEDEA and IZA) published by Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit (Institute for the Study of Labor) February 2012
Abstract
The existence of gender gaps in test scores has been documented in the relevant literature for a wide range of countries. In particular, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducted by the OECD over the past ten years reveals that on average female students underperform (outperform) males in maths (reading) test scores in most of the countries that take part in the evaluation programme.
We find that differences in culture and social norms across countries and across regions within the same country are crucial determinants in understanding gender differences in PISA 2009 test scores: girls perform relatively better in both maths and reading in societies where gender equality is enhanced, and the effect varies over the distribution of scores. In addition, we find substantial evidence for the intergenerational transmission of gender role attitudes, especially from mothers to daughters, as the performance of girls, not that of boys, is better in families where the mother works outside home.
Full text (PDF 30pp)
Abstract
The existence of gender gaps in test scores has been documented in the relevant literature for a wide range of countries. In particular, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducted by the OECD over the past ten years reveals that on average female students underperform (outperform) males in maths (reading) test scores in most of the countries that take part in the evaluation programme.
We find that differences in culture and social norms across countries and across regions within the same country are crucial determinants in understanding gender differences in PISA 2009 test scores: girls perform relatively better in both maths and reading in societies where gender equality is enhanced, and the effect varies over the distribution of scores. In addition, we find substantial evidence for the intergenerational transmission of gender role attitudes, especially from mothers to daughters, as the performance of girls, not that of boys, is better in families where the mother works outside home.
Full text (PDF 30pp)
Still evidence-based? The role of policy evaluation in recession and beyond:
The case of the national Minimum Wage
an article by Tim Butcher (Low Pay Commission) published in National Institute Economic Review Volume 219 Number 1 (January 2012)
Abstract
This article explains the role of evidence in determining the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission (LPC) for the National Minimum Wage (NMW). First, it sets out the process of recommending the minimum wage including the role of evidence. Second, it summarises the evidence available on the impact of the minimum wage before discussing how that evidence has informed the recommendations for the adult rate of the minimum wage in the LPC’s reports. It concludes by assessing the extent to which the NMW might be regarded as a success and considers whether the recent financial crisis will alter the evidence-based approach so far adopted by the LPC.
an article by Tim Butcher (Low Pay Commission) published in National Institute Economic Review Volume 219 Number 1 (January 2012)
Abstract
This article explains the role of evidence in determining the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission (LPC) for the National Minimum Wage (NMW). First, it sets out the process of recommending the minimum wage including the role of evidence. Second, it summarises the evidence available on the impact of the minimum wage before discussing how that evidence has informed the recommendations for the adult rate of the minimum wage in the LPC’s reports. It concludes by assessing the extent to which the NMW might be regarded as a success and considers whether the recent financial crisis will alter the evidence-based approach so far adopted by the LPC.
School inspections: can we trust Ofsted reports?
a research paper (CEPDP358) from CentrePiece – The Magazine for Economic Performance February 2012
OfSTED inspections of schools have been a central feature of state education in England for nearly 20 years. Research by Iftikhar Hussain explores the validity of the school ratings that Ofsted produces, the impact of a fail rating on subsequent pupil performance and the extent to which teachers can 'game' the system.
Full article (PDF 4pp)
OfSTED inspections of schools have been a central feature of state education in England for nearly 20 years. Research by Iftikhar Hussain explores the validity of the school ratings that Ofsted produces, the impact of a fail rating on subsequent pupil performance and the extent to which teachers can 'game' the system.
Full article (PDF 4pp)
Monday, 12 March 2012
How do public libraries create social capital? An analysis of interactions between library staff and patrons
an article by Catherine A. Johnson (Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario, Canada) published in Library & Information Science Research Volume 34 Issue 1 (January 2012)
Abstract
In this qualitative study exploring the content of social interactions between library staff and patrons, interviews were held with 15 library staff members in three neighbourhood branch libraries in a large American mid-western city. An analysis of the interviews suggests that public libraries may contribute to social capital through the relationships and interactions that occur between staff and patrons.
Some of the ways in which these relationships and interactions may contribute to social capital include: building patrons’ trust in the library and its staff, connecting people to both community and library resources, providing social support for patrons, reducing social isolation, helping patrons gain skills to function in an increasingly online world, and providing a positive place for neighbourhood residents to gather. The kinds of social interactions occurring in libraries that may help to build social capital are highlighted.
Abstract
In this qualitative study exploring the content of social interactions between library staff and patrons, interviews were held with 15 library staff members in three neighbourhood branch libraries in a large American mid-western city. An analysis of the interviews suggests that public libraries may contribute to social capital through the relationships and interactions that occur between staff and patrons.
Some of the ways in which these relationships and interactions may contribute to social capital include: building patrons’ trust in the library and its staff, connecting people to both community and library resources, providing social support for patrons, reducing social isolation, helping patrons gain skills to function in an increasingly online world, and providing a positive place for neighbourhood residents to gather. The kinds of social interactions occurring in libraries that may help to build social capital are highlighted.
If Physics Is an Information Science, What Is an Observer?
an article by Chris Fields published in Information Volume 3 (Pages 92-123)
Abstract
Interpretations of quantum theory have traditionally assumed a “Galilean” observer, a bare “point of view” implemented physically by a quantum system.
This paper investigates the consequences of replacing such an informationally-impoverished observer with an observer that satisfies the requirements of classical automata theory, i.e., an observer that encodes sufficient prior information to identify the system being observed and recognise its acceptable states.
It shows that with reasonable assumptions about the physical dynamics of information channels, the observations recorded by such an observer will display the typical characteristics predicted by quantum theory, without requiring any specific assumptions about the observer's physical implementation.
Full text (PDF 32pp)
Abstract
Interpretations of quantum theory have traditionally assumed a “Galilean” observer, a bare “point of view” implemented physically by a quantum system.
This paper investigates the consequences of replacing such an informationally-impoverished observer with an observer that satisfies the requirements of classical automata theory, i.e., an observer that encodes sufficient prior information to identify the system being observed and recognise its acceptable states.
It shows that with reasonable assumptions about the physical dynamics of information channels, the observations recorded by such an observer will display the typical characteristics predicted by quantum theory, without requiring any specific assumptions about the observer's physical implementation.
Full text (PDF 32pp)
The bring your own device nightmare
an article by Graeme Batsman, Data Defender published in lasa knowledgebase (February 2012)
This article looks at the increasing trend of staff bringing their own mobile or portable devices into the work environment and how you can secure your network against intrusion.
Read in full (HTML)
This article looks at the increasing trend of staff bringing their own mobile or portable devices into the work environment and how you can secure your network against intrusion.
Read in full (HTML)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
