Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Using turnout in large city mayoral elections as the dependent variable, this study explores effects of demographics, institutions, and political culture on participation. Findings show demographics and political culture have some explanatory power.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Objective: To develop a valid and reliable peer observation and evaluation tool (POET) to be used in a large classroom setting as part of a comprehensive teaching assessment program.
Methods: POET was developed by consensus of a 9-member peer observation taskforce after an extensive literature search, review of peer evaluation at similar academic institutions, and direct input from an external expert on peer observation of teaching. To establish validity, each taskforce member and the external expert provided feedback on organization, terminology, and clarity and independently ranked each item on a scale of 1 (no importance) to 5 (high importance). Items with a mean score below three were removed. Remaining items were reorganized and modified based on feedback. After receiving peer observation training, taskforce members piloted POET on a pre-recorded lecture. Based on consensus, POET was streamlined further and descriptors were added. To establish inter-rater reliability, 2-3 taskforce members observed eight separate lectures utilizing POET. Intra-class correlations (ICCs) were computed for each lecture. Results: POET contains scripted interview questions for pre- and post- observation meetings and a 39-item rubric to evaluate lecture content, presentation skills, classroom climate, and assessment strategies. ICCs ranged from 0.67 to 0.90 indicating very good inter-rater reliability. Data from one rater on three occasions were excluded due to low variability in response scores which produced negative ICCs. Implications: POET is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate large classroom teaching when used by trained peer observers. The effectiveness of POET as an assessment tool warrants further study.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Using Blackboard (a web-based course support program), students from an Introduction to Psychology course participated in on-line discussion sections. The discussion questions asked students to link information in the Psychology course to coursework in an Introduction to Public Policy course. This is the first time a large format course was used as an interdisciplinary course. We were able to replicate the benefits of smaller interdisciplinary courses in the large section. Students felt more comfortable with course work, reported a better understanding of both Psychology and Public Policy courses, were more satisfied with the teaching staff, and were more excited about continuing school the following semester. This paper describes the processes used to structure the course, the results from a survey administered to students at the end of the course, and the funding process for the course.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The ability to raise large sums of money is essential for non-incumbent candidates who hope to field strong campaigns for office. As a result, changes in campaign finance laws have important ramifications for competition in U.S. House elections. The 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BiCRA) increased the limits on individual contributions to U.S. House candidates from $1000 to $2000 per election, but little is known about how this change might affect fundraising practices among different types of candidates. We use data from election cycles from 1992 to 2000 to explore how candidate characteristics, competitive context and national tides influence the ability of non-incumbent candidates to secure large contributions. We find that, independent of other factors, experienced challengers are more effective at raising large
contributions, but the type of prior experience matters. Previous office-holders who have held statewide or federal office, and those who have served in highly professional legislatures are most able to raise funds from large donors. A preliminary look at the first election cycle after BiCRA supports the extrapolation of our findings to the new fundraising context and suggests that the implementation of BiCRA will benefit some types of candidates more than others.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The trade-offs between qualitative and quantitative research methods are well known. Qualitative research promises high internal validity and the ability to disentangle causal processes. Given the costs of conducting in-depth research, however, it is difficult to obtain the large number of qualitative observations required to establish external validity. We elaborate upon these challenges and discuss the relative merits and shortcomings of three strategies for building large-N databases using qualitative research: large-N field-based studies conducted by one or a few researchers, meta-databases constructed from existing qualitative studies, and large-N field-based studies conducted by research networks. Examples are drawn from research on collective action to manage natural resources.

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Supporting Document