RAIS Journal for Social Sciences

The Relationship Between College-Educated Officers and Their Self-Efficacy on Performance: A Quasi-Experiment

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine by statistical analysis the relationship between college-educated police officers and their self-efficacy in the performance of their duties, whether it is patrol, investigations, research/ planning, etc. Previous research has provided mixed perspectives on the benefits of a college education and police officers’ levels of job effectiveness and performance. The purpose of the study is two-fold: (1) to determine if there is a causal correlation between an officer’s level of education and their self-efficacy, and (2) to ascertain whether or not officers believe a college degree made a difference in them being more effective on the job. Findings from this study indicated a moderately positive level of significance from police officers with a college education as having a higher level of self-efficacy than police officers without a college education. The study findings provide insight into police officers’ ability to resolve conflicts, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. This case study suggests that possessing a college degree may improve crucial aspects of field performance, including using a lower level of physical force and receiving fewer complaints and disciplinary actions than officers of the same experience without a degree. Policing in the 21st Century has evolved as a solemn profession, and officers are held to higher standards and accountability. The investigators theorized that many police departments place a greater value on educated officers because of the changing nature of law enforcement and the cultural diversity needs of citizens in the community.

The Relationship Between College-Educated Officers and Their Self-Efficacy on Performance: A Quasi-Experiment

Hieu PHAN, Andre CAMP — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Correlation between the Demographic Factors and Students’ Moodle Logs and their Academic Achievements in a Pre-degree Course

Komal KARISHMA, Krishna RAGHUWAIYA, Roneel CHAND — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study explores the correlation between the demographic factors, the Moodle logs, and the academic achievements of the LLFXX students. The demographic factors analyzed were students’ age, gender, program of study, and their time at the University of the South Pacific (USP). A quantitative research method was employed to collect and analyze the data. A total of 80 Blended mode students filled out a questionnaire on the Moodle page and their results were analyzed using the Spearmen’s Rank Correlation Coefficient Test in the SPSS software. It was found that there was no correlation between the demographic factors and students’ Moodle logs on the LLFXX Moodle page. Moreover, there was no correlation between the LLFXX students’ demographic factors (age, gender, and time at the USP) and their academic achievements. However, there was a correlation between students' study program and academic achievement. KEYWORDS: correlation, demographic, eLearning, interaction, Moodle

Stabilization Function of Public Finances: Implementation of Instruments in Conditions of Socio-Economic Crises

Krzysztof JAROSIŃSKI — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the years 2020–2022, there was a significant slowdown in economic processes. The instability of macroeconomic factors necessitated efforts by public finance sector institutions to limit them. There were anti-crisis and stabilization measures that were supposed to lead to a return to the path of sustainable development. The aim of the paper is to identify the scope and possibilities of using stabilization instruments within the public finance sector and limiting the negative effects of crisis phenomena. As part of stabilization activities, targeted programs have already been launched, both on the scale of individual countries and internationally in the European Union, within the International Monetary Fund, and by other public entities. The scope of activities indicates an increased involvement of public resources in the social and economic spheres. Crisis phenomena indicate the advisability of using various stabilization instruments to reduce negative trends in the economy. The thematic scope of the study refers directly to current economic changes from a global perspective and also concerns selected national problems in Poland. It covers issues related to actions taken by public authorities to stabilize the economy in the face of changes caused by the above-mentioned crisis phenomena. Research indicates that the allocation of public resources to stabilize the economy may have other consequences, such as changing the structure of public expenditure to increase current expenditure, reducing the share of investment expenditure, and increasing the risk of excessive budget deficits and public debt, which may occur in the economy in the long term. KEYWORDS: public finances, stabilizing the economy, public debt, budget deficit

Context of Police Use of Deadly Force: Statistical Case Study on Officer and Civilian Demographics in Texas

DeJante EATON, Hieu PHAN — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Fourth Amendment authorizes the police to use force or deadly force. This statistical case study examined police officers' demographics and their use of deadly force in Texas. This case study aimed to investigate the number of incidents in Texas between 2020-2023 and compile police-civilian deadly force encounters. The data was collected from the Texas Attorney General's Office. The researchers provided data on the demographics of the deceased and the officers' demographics, including age, race, sex, and years of service in the department. The purpose of the study is two-fold: (1) to determine if there is a link between officers' demographic factors and their use of deadly force and (2) to ascertain the statistical odds of civilians' demographics killed by police during a consensual, investigatory, or arrest encounter. The officer and civilian statistics were compiled in four tables utilizing the odds ratio statistics and the confidence interval percentage. The sampling method employed for this study was convenience sampling. The sample size of the officers' statistics was 1,129 data points, and 727 data points for the civilians involved. The researchers are 95% confident that using deadly force encounters in Texas supports the Odds Ratio between peace officers and civilian demographics as presented in this study. The study's summation recommends that, if needed, police departments in Texas review and objectively evaluate their practices, policies, and procedures regarding police-civilian shooting incidents and their use of deadly force. KEYWORDS: deadly force, officer shooting demographics, excessive force, violence, police use of force, order maintenance policing, police violence, police killings, use of force policy, police shooting, police-civilian shooting

Determinants of Public Investment Effectiveness Evaluation in Unstable Macroeconomic Environment

Benedykt OPAŁKA — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Investments in the public sector may be characterized by a lower sensitivity to macroeconomic changes since their implementation is linked to the need to achieve certain social goals, so these investments are undertaken and implemented even in deteriorating economic conditions. However, this does not mean that the course of investment processes in the public sector is stable in a changing macroeconomic environment. The constrained investment financing capacity in public sector units is increasingly problematic. The purpose of the presented paper is to identify the changing conditions affecting the scope and approaches to measuring the effectiveness of investment projects in the public sector, not only in monetary terms, but also in social aspects. The research findings presented in the paper point to the role of current socio-economic factors in shaping decision-making processes, as well as to the principles and criteria for evaluating the impact of public spending in a situation of unstable economic development. The study presents an analysis of available methodologies and performance evaluation indicators, along with the potential for adapting or expanding the range of possible analytical and organizational solutions. The study also includes examples of changes in investment activity in the public sector at different levels of competence. KEYWORDS: public investment, effectiveness, macroeconomic factors

Ethics and Judicial Integrity under the Bangalore Principles

Bogdan DAVID — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Magistrates must demonstrate judicial seriousness and professional rectitude because they do not exercise their profession in an erratic environment devoid of moral valences, but on the contrary, the judicial field is one that must highlight the existence of independent, impartial, efficient and integral justice, representing a basic parameter of a democratic state of law. It is unanimously recognized that the magistracy represents, above all, an ethical duty, which can only have positive results if the magistrate exercises this function by providing proof of integrity. However, this perception is not sufficient to ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary and, implicitly, society's trust in it. Moreover, it is necessary for magistrates to carry out their daily work based on the ethical responsibility of the important office they hold. KEYWORDS: Ethics, justice, magistrate, integrity, impartiality, judicial equality

The Role of ICT in Engaging with the Institution: A Learners Perspective

Komal KARISHMA, Krishna RAGHUWAIYA — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores students’ perception of the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Moodle in the teaching and learning process at the pre-degree level at the University of the South Pacific (USP). A total of 80 Blended mode students from the pre-degree level were given a Likert scale questionnaire to express their perceptions of ICT and Moodle at the university. Cron Bach Alpha Test in SPSS was used to find the reliability of the data from the Likert scale. These perceptions were then correlated with students' Moodle Logs and academic achievements (marks). The association of these perceptions with the Moodle Logs and academic achievements was calculated using Spearmen’s Rank Correlation Coefficient Test in SPSS. It was found that few perceptions correlated with students’ Moodle Logs, academic achievements, and with each other. The Cron Bach Alpha Test showed that the data from the Likert scale was reliable. It was found that students at pre-degree have positive perceptions about ICT and Moodle at USP and some of these have correlations with students’ Moodle Logs, academic achievements, and with each other. KEYWORDS: Engagement, Institution, Learner Perspective, Moodle, Moodle Logs

Gender-Based Violence and Educational Development of Children in Northern Nigeria

Damilola Aminah MOLIKI-SALMAN, Anna KOPCZAK-WIRGA — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the overarching significance of education in the world today, numerous children in Northern Nigeria have been denied education due to socio-cultural practices. There is a reasonable need to emphasize the importance of educating children for societal development. This study explores the culturally influenced gender-based violence practices and their effects on the educational development of children in Northern Nigeria. The study employed qualitative method and conducted 62 semi-structured interviews, comprising of twenty-eight (28) teachers and thirty-four (34) parents of primary and secondary school children in gathering data. The study discovered that there are high practices of early child marriage on the girlchild and child labor on the boychild as two forms of gender-based violence perpetuated on children, which affects the children’s educational development in the region. The study suggests the need for more societal sensitization about child marriage and child labor. Also, more efforts should be directed toward educating people about the importance of education and placing a high value on it. KEYWORDS: Education, Gender-based violence, Socio-cultural practices, Development, Nigeria

The Relevance of C.S. Lewis's Anthropology for the Contemporary World

Florin MATEI — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

C. S. Lewis was one of the great intellectuals of the 20th and 21st centuries. Among other things, he distinguished himself as an apologist and a man who loved Scripture. His anthropological thinking may prove essential in the complex world of the 21st century. This paper will summarize the most significant anthropological views that C.S. Lewis addressed in his work and which he considered essential in human relations. These viewpoints can serve as starting points towards a broader understanding of the world and the interactions within it. His views remain relevant in the contemporary context in which we capture different perspectives on humanity. KEYWORDS: Tao, Imago Dei, man, redemption, free will, sin, human nature

The Causal Relationship between Measures of Career Salience and the Probability of Having Children: Comparing Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the United States Military

Chelli PLUMMER — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the childbearing patterns of women in the military, specifically, examining the differences between women in two different career tracks, commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. The study investigates not only the differences in childbearing between these two career tracks but also the effect of career salience on the decision to have or not have children. The author argues that, as career salience increases, women are less likely to have children. While this holds for both commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, the mechanism of career salience is more pronounced for officers than those enlisted personnel. After introducing the topic, the paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on women and motherhood in the military, presents the research study, discusses findings and results, and offers recommendations for policy reform. KEYWORDS: women, military, career, children, policy reform

Understanding and Addressing Environmental Challenges

Mirela MACELARU, Mirta LULIĆ — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to raise awareness about the multifaceted dimensions of global environmental challenges beyond the commonly known factors of CO2 emissions and greenhouse effects. The article delves into less recognized yet alarming factors contributing to rapid environmental changes, such as methane and aerosol emissions. Additionally, the impact of deforestation on ocean ecosystems, radiative forcing, permafrost thawing, and the weakening of the Gulf Stream current are discussed, shedding light on the interconnectedness of various environmental phenomena. The consequences, ranging from sea-level rise to disruptions in biodiversity, are examined in detail, emphasizing the potential for climate refugees and the threats posed to human health, agriculture, and freshwater resources. The article concludes by highlighting the intricate relationship between climate change and the decline of essential pollinators like bees, underscoring the broader implications on global food security and the potential for armed conflicts arising from environmental stressors. KEYWORDS: Climate, environmental awareness, global warming, CO2 emissions, greenhouse effects, climate refugees, climate stress factors

The Role of Religion in Contemporary Society – Mapping a Research Itinerary

Iosif RIVIȘ-TIPEI — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This article discusses the role of religion in today’s society. Starting from a summary review of interdisciplinary literature on the topic, the study continues with an exploration of the complex ways in which religious beliefs, practices, and institutions intersect with various facets of contemporary life. From shaping cultural norms to influencing political landscapes, the paper examines the evolving impact of religion on social cohesion, identity formation, and ethical frameworks. By navigating the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, the research aims to contribute nuanced insights into the ongoing dialogue surrounding the role of religion in fostering or challenging social harmony. KEYWORDS: religion in society, social cohesion, cultural identity, religious beliefs, religious practices, religious institutions