Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are polygynous pinnipeds distributed along the Pacific coast of North America. The species has been subdivided into 3 stocks based on differences in mitochondrial DNA, but an accurate understanding of population structure also requires exploring nuclear genetic variation. We used microsatellite loci to study genetic subdivision within the Mexican sea lion populations, which are currently divided into 2 stocks: a Pacific coast of Baja California (PBC) stock and a Gulf of California (GoC) stock. Comprehending population subdivision in this area is particularly critical in light of recent population declines observed in some areas of the GoC. We obtained tissue samples from 5 colonies distributed among the GoC and 1 colony located on the central PBC (N=357). Genetic subdivision was explored using the programs STRUCTURE and BAPS with data from 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Results generally suggested a pattern of isolation by distance, but both programs also identified 2 groups: a PBC-South GoC group, and a North-Central GoC group. Our results challenge the current stock assignment of Mexican sea lion populations, and reveal the existence previously undetected genetic admixture among Mexican colonies. Future research should explore genetic subdivision between Mexican and US sea lion populations, and consider the remaining Mexican colonies not included in this research.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Coding of interviewer and respondent behavior within the fielded interview has become an important tool for evaluating survey questions. Cannell et al (1968) described a behavior coding system that has evolved into perhaps the one most commonly used for this purpose (Fowler and Cannell, 1996). Previous research (e.g., Oksenberg et al, 1991; Zukerberg et al, 1995; Edwards et al, 2002) has focused on issues such as the system's reliability, whether it works equally well with live monitoring and recorded interviews, the sample size needed for pretesting, and the number of codes needed to identify questions that present problems for interviewers and respondents. This paper will describe an extension of behavior coding to assess questionnaire functioning across language, as part of an evaluation of the degree to which translated versions exhibit cross-cultural equivalence. For this study, behavior coding was performed for several portions of the questionnaire administered to adults (via telephone) in the 2003 California Health Interview Survey. The sample of interviews to be coded was selected so as to include interviews conducted in English, Spanish, and Korean. Further, language of interview and respondent cultural group were independently varied, so that some Korean respondents were interviewed in English and some in Korean; Latino respondents were interviewed in both Spanish and English; all other respondents were interviewed in English. Bilingual staff applied a system of codes specifically adapted for use in cross-cultural applications, and coded interviewer and respondent behaviors from the recorded interview segments. The paper will describe the coding process, assess inter-coder reliability across languages, and compare the frequency of problem codes across cultural group and across languages of interview. In summary, the paper will discuss the usefulness of behavior coding as a potential means for assessing the cross-cultural functioning of survey questions.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study analyzes the inquiry skills and analytical discourse of a cohort of five preservice secondary science teachers as they student teach and prepare the PACT Teaching Event.

Publication Type: Session Presentation
Abstract: This session showcases California's advocacy efforts to increase the public and policy makers' awreness of the importance of foreign language education Presenters will share concrete examples of effective strategies for monitoring and influencing key legislation, developing and presenting influential testimony, and informing legislators of foreign language issues and priorities.