Suranaree Journal of Social Science

From Editor

2023-12-28T09:02:57+07:00

A Critical Literature Review: Evidence of a Link between Urban Greenspace and Well-Being

2021-12-02T16:20:42+07:00

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing body of academic evidence emphasizing the relationship between greenspaces and the well-being of urban inhabitants. This increasing recognition has prompted cities worldwide to shift their focus toward the quality management of greenspaces, considering them a vital indicator of a city's health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even advocated for a minimum of 9 square meters of urban greenspace per person as a benchmark for urban planning. Nevertheless, many cities are grappling with limited greenspace availability, which is further exacerbated by rapid land development and the skyrocketing land values inherent in urban areas. In the context of Thai society, it has become evident that relevant stakeholders still lack a comprehensive understanding of the academic evidence delineating the significance and advantages of greenspaces concerning well-being. To address this knowledge gap, this article collects academic evidence that establishes the connections between greenspaces and crucial aspects of well-being, specifically relating to environmental concerns, health restoration, and social interactions among urban inhabitants. The primary aim is to increase awareness of the pivotal role greenspaces play, thereby guiding policy planning. This, in turn, will empower various stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector, to develop and manage urban greenspaces in a manner that fosters sustainability. Additionally, this article identifies areas of research requiring further exploration, thereby serving as a reference point for future investigations.

Content: The empirical data and research findings presented in this article underscore the multifaceted importance of greenspaces on urban well-being. In the realm of environmental issues, greenspaces serve as ecological buffers, ameliorating air and water quality while mitigating the urban heat island effect. Their contribution to biodiversity preservation is also of paramount importance. Furthermore, greenspaces have been proven to have a restorative effect on individual and collective health. The article delves into the beneficial impact of greenspaces on mental well-being, stress reduction, and physical health. Additionally, it highlights the role of greenspaces in promoting physical activities, subsequently curtailing the incidence of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, greenspaces provide a platform for enhanced social interactions, fostering community cohesion and reducing social isolation among urban inhabitants. The article elucidates the positive correlation between greenspace availability, accessibility, and social interactions, emphasizing the role of greenspace in multidimension.

Conclusion: This article serves as a pivotal resource for comprehending the significant contribution of greenspaces to urban well-being. The evidence presented makes a compelling case for the integration of greenspaces in urban planning and development. To navigate the challenges posed by the limited availability of greenspaces in rapidly developing cities, policy planners and stakeholders must adopt an informed approach that prioritizes sustainability and well-being. As a result, the academic evidence collected and analyzed in this article not only offers valuable insights but also lays the groundwork for future research endeavors. The identification of knowledge gaps serves as a compass for researchers, directing their efforts toward a more profound understanding of the complex relationships between greenspaces and urban well-being, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.

Cover and Contens

2022-05-12T13:39:56+07:00

The Relationship between Personality Dimensions and Cyber Aggression: The Role of Cyber Addiction Mediators and the Role of Moral Emotions Moderators

2021-08-05T09:54:37+07:00

Background and Objectives: The relationships between personality dimensions and cyber aggression that are mediated by cyber addictions and moderated by moral emotions are not clear. As described in previous studies, the absence of models that examine both mediators and moderators is limited in explaining the roles of cyber addictions and moral emotions. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between personality dimensions and cyber aggression. In addition, the role of mediators on cyber addiction and the role of moderators on moral emotions were studied.

Methodology: The research group consisted of 870 students selected using multistage random sampling. The instruments consisted of the three-dimensional personality test, including masculinity, femininity, and impulsivity; the cyber addiction test; the cyber aggression test; and the moral emotion test. The data were analyzed using an analysis of the mediator and moderator variables using the SPSS Process package.

Main results: The results revealed that: (1) The relationship between personality dimensions and cyber aggression had mediators such as internet addiction and gaming addiction, (2) The relationship between impulsivity and cyber aggression in the male and female participants was moderated by guilt in opposite directions, (3) The association between masculinity and cyber aggression was moderated by shame only with the females, (4) The association between femininity and cyber aggression was moderated by both guilt and shame only with the males.

Discussion: Considering the outcomes from the connection between personality dimensions and cyber aggression in all paths, only online social networking addiction was not significant or not a mediator. An explanation could be that online social networking correlated with social skills which can protect persons from aggressive behaviors. The following study was a moderator analysis. In both genders, guilt was a moderator in the link with impulsivity and cyber aggression but shown in opposite ways. It was a positive direction in the male model, whereas it showed a negative direction in the female model. Thus, from this result, guilt was able to reduce aggression only in the females. Besides testing this path, the second path of masculinity-cyber aggression was examined. It was found that shame was a moderator in the female model in positive outcomes, both in the whole and in each sub-level of moderators. The final test was the connection between femininity and cyber aggression. It found significance for guilt and shame on this path only in the males and mainly gave a positive direction, while the most likely significant results on each sub-level of moderators gave a negative direction. From these results, it further showed that low level moderators were able to more effectively reduce cyber aggression than medium and high levels. In contrast, they could not wholly decrease cyber aggression in efficiency.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the relationship between impulsivity and cyber aggression in females should reduce when exposed to moderation from guilt. Moreover, feminine traits play a greater protective function in deterring both cyber addiction and cyber aggression than moral emotions. This reflects that moral emotions have a limited capability in decreasing cyber aggression between the paths of masculine traits-cyber aggression and feminine traits-cyber aggression.

Analysis of Agricultural Land Ownership Inequality and the Correlation between Number of Household Members and Income in Huai Pu Noi Village, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province

2021-08-11T12:00:15+07:00

Background and Objectives: Highland communities need land for food security and economic development, but geographic constraints make agricultural land limited, resulting in land tenure inequality. The objectives of this research were to 1) survey the boundaries of landholdings and establish a database of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 2) analyze the inequality of land ownership and household income, 3) analyze the correlation of land ownership area with the number of household members and household income.

Methodology: The study employed qualitative research. The specific population was 19 farmer households in Huai Pu Noi Village, Yang Pieng Sub-district, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province. Data were collected using high-resolution satellite imagery as a tool.

Main Results: Firstly, the research found that the farmers understand high-resolution satellite data maps and can relate to the actual terrain, locating their land parcel boundaries. Based on the analysis of GIS, it was found that the total agricultural area is 1,757.54 rai, divided into 92 land parcels owned by 17 of the 19 farmers. Each occupied land parcel has an average total area of 13.33 rai and each household has an average of five land parcels. Secondly, it revealed that income inequality had a Gini Coefficient of 0.38 and 0.73, and land ownership was concentrated in some households. Thirdly, the area held and the number of household members were related in the same direction (r = 0.54). The size of the landholding was a result of the number of household members, at only 29 percent (r² = 0.29). The correlation between land ownership and household income was in the same direction (r = 0.07). Only 1% of the area held is the result of household income (r² = 0.01).

Discussions: Importing land parcel boundary coordinates obtained from surveys into a GIS allows us to transform this information into maps, which illustrate the distribution of both land ownership and land use. Elevation, slope, and other layers of data can be analyzed. Although land ownership inequality does exist among the farmers in Huai Pu Noi Village, it is less pronounced than the level of inequality that we see nationally. However, the income inequality within Huai Pu Noi Village is more pronounced than the income inequality at the national level. The correlation coefficient between land ownership and household membership exhibits a positive and consistent relationship, while land ownership shows almost no correlation with household income.

Conclusions: Surveying land ownership using high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial coordinate determination allows for rapid data acquisition on a global scale. This approach can serve as a template for creating land ownership maps for villages situated in similar or nearby highland areas. Analyzing land ownership inequality using the Gini coefficient can provide valuable data to inform land allocation policies and promote livelihoods both within and beyond the agricultural sector. Conducting an annual study of land ownership and calculating the Gini coefficient would provide insights into the annual trends of land ownership inequality. This approach can be extended to other areas, enabling the application of the research methodology to different regions.

Factors Affecting Sleep Quality of the Elderly

2021-08-11T14:26:22+07:00

Background and Objectives: The best form of relaxation for promoting a high quality of life is high quality sleep. During sleep, the body undergoes rejuvenation and repair. Studies indicate that the elderly tend to experience continuous increases in sleep-related issues, with up to 40-50% experiencing insomnia. These problems can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal changes, insufficient income, and the use of sleeping pills. This research focused on Tha Mai District in Chanthaburi Province, where no prior studies on sleep quality have been conducted. At 9.7%, this district has the highest proportion of elderly residents compared to other districts in the province. The objectives of this study were to investigate both sleep quality and the factors that influence it within the elderly population of this district.

Methodology: This study followed a quantitative research design and included multi-stage probability sampling. The sample included 375 elderly individuals who participated in structured interviews through questionnaires between June and September 2020. The content validity of the questionnaires was evaluated using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) with all items having an IOC value of 0.5 or higher, indicating congruence between the questions and study objectives. The reliability of the questionnaires was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha with a value higher than 0.8, indicating high reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentages, and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis.

Main Results: The study found 61.1% of the elderly population studied to have good sleep quality while 39.9% reported sleep quality was poor. The stepwise multiple regression analysis identified several significant factors influencing the sleep quality of the elderly in Tha Mai District. These factors included the use of sleeping pills, alcohol consumption, income, psychological and emotional aspects (stress), along with family history of psychiatric illness. This study indicated that the R-square of sleep quality of the elderly in the district is 23.6%, with statistical significance at 0.05 level.

Discussions: The following factors were found to influence the sleep quality of the elderly with depression. First, if sufficient rest is obtained, it can help improve depression. Other factors, including the use of sleeping pills, psychological and emotional aspects (stress), and income, influence the sleep quality of the elderly. On the other hand, the least influential factors on the sleep quality of the elderly are alcohol consumption and family history of psychiatric illnesses.

Conclusions: The elderly stage of life is characterized by both role and social changes due to retirement and is accompanied by physical decline as well. Therefore, this phase requires adaptation and may involve significant challenges. One of the issues that researchers are interested in studying is quality of sleep and the factors that influence it among the elderly. This study can explain factors influencing and affecting sleep quality. In addition, this study aims to prevent problems and promote better sleep quality for the elderly in this or similar contexts in the future.

Implementing an Argument-Driven Inquiry Model for Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities for Grade 11 Students

2021-08-25T16:48:58+07:00

Background and Objectives: Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are important for learning in the 21^st century. Regarding problems in the classroom, it was found that students lack analytical thinking and are unable to apply knowledge to solve problems in everyday life. This results in a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The objectives of this research were to 1) study the learning management of the argument-driven inquiry model (ADI) for enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in polymer topics, and 2) to study the results on critical thinking and problem-solving ability after implementing the argument-driven inquiry model.

Methodology: The participants in the action research study were 21 eleventh-grade students in a small representative secondary school in Phitsanulok province. The research instruments consisted of three lesson plans using the argument-driven inquiry model in polymer topics, the reflective learning management form, a worksheet, and the assessment forms for critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Data were analyzed using content analysis, mean, and percentage.

Main Results: The findings indicated that the effective ways to implement argument-driven inquiry were: 1) choose problem situations in the context of daily life, 2) avoid providing a definite answer to lead the trial or investigation, 3) the point of arguments must be explicit and bipartisan to achieve competent role-play, 4) the interim elements of a tentative argument should be clarified, and 5) the time should be increased for writing reports and generating agreement via double-blind peer review and revision. The critical thinking and problem-solving abilities of students’ level had progressed after learning through the argument-driven inquiry model as a whole from 57.13% to 88.08% (low to high). There is a high level of competence in each component, including reasoning, systematic thinking, assessment, and decision, and problem-solving.

Discussions: The argument-driven inquiry model (ADI) is used for enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Problem situations with unclear answers can be used to lead investigation and argument session in class through role-play. As a result, students are able to create arguments by showing their claim, evidence, and reasoning. In addition, students can write reports, double-blind peer reviews, and improve the quality of their own reports.

Conclusions: The argument-driven inquiry model (ADI) for enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities is effective in terms of enhancing reasoning, systematic thinking, assessment and decision, as well as problem-solving ability.

Insights into Strategic Decision-making: Views of Filipino Education Deans

2023-08-30T10:23:25+07:00

Background and Objectives: Strategic decision-making is a complex process, especially in the context of higher education institutions. Understanding how education college deans approach strategic decisions is crucial for effective management and decision support. This qualitative single case study aimed to explore the strategic decision-making processes (SDMP) of college deans in state universities in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. The study sought to identify the characteristics of SDMPs, approaches to SDM and propose a new model that captures the spectrum of decision-making modes.

Methodology: A single case study that rests on the interpretive research paradigm was adopted to delve into the individual experiences of education college deans in making strategic decisions. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and reflective essays from eight deans, selected through purposive sampling based on specific criteria. The study adhered to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring confidentiality and obtaining informed consent from participants. Data analysis followed Attride-Stirling's thematic network analysis method, allowing for in-depth exploration and interpretation of the decision-making processes.

Main Results: The analysis revealed several characteristics of SDMPs, including their highly unstructured, non-routinary, nonrepetitive, high-stakes, risky, complex, and irreversible nature, aligning with findings from prior research. College deans employed three main types of SDMPs: rational, intuitive, and improvisational. Rational SDMP involved systematic, logical, and fact-based decision-making, while intuitive SDMP relied on judgment and past experiences in time-sensitive and uncertain situations. Improvisational SDMP emerged as a novel approach, characterized by spontaneity, novelty, and action-orientation.

Discussions: The study contributes to the understanding that SDMPs are not fixed processes but rather dynamic and context-dependent. It highlights the importance of considering the specific circumstances and timing of decision-making when determining the most suitable approach. The proposed model presents a spectrum of SDMPs, recognizing the interconnectedness of the decision-making modes. The study also brings attention to the improvisational decision-making approach, which has received limited focus in the literature but is increasingly relevant in today's rapidly changing management context.

Conclusions: Education college deans adopt diverse approaches to strategic decision-making, with rational, intuitive, and improvisational SDMPs being prevalent. The study underscores the need for flexibility and adaptation in decision-making to address the complexities and uncertainties faced by educational administrators. The new model of SDMPs captures the continuum of decision-making modes, allowing administrators to tailor decision support to the specific needs of deans based on the context and timing of decision-making. By recognizing the different decision-making approaches, administrators can foster more effective decision-making processes and improve the overall management of higher education institutions. Further research on the improvisational decision-making approach is warranted to explore its potential benefits and limitations in strategic decision-making contexts.

Exploring Awareness of Labor Market Challenges in the Context of Automation and Robotization

2023-09-25T11:04:37+07:00

Background and Objectives: This study explores and evaluates the awareness of labor market challenges posed by automation and robotization within the framework of Thailand 4.0 among students and educators in various educational institutions in Thailand. It seeks to identify the sources and quality of information on this topic, investigate the role of educational institutions in imparting knowledge, and determine if universities adequately equip students with future-proof skills to face the demands of the evolving job market. The findings of this research will help identify areas that require improvement and inform policy decisions to address the potential threat of unemployment and unclaimed skills in the future labor market.

Methodology: This quantitative exploratory research adopts inductive reasoning and leverages statistical analysis through descriptive and inferential techniques, including calculating the Chi-square test of independence and the Spearman correlation test. Two distinct versions of the questionnaire tailored for educators and students, available in Thai to ensure clarity and relevance, were used. Six hundred and fifty-one participants, including students and educators representing 57 diverse educational institutions across Thailand, actively engaged in this data collection effort. Applying statistical techniques to the survey data, including descriptive statistics and inferential tests, yields valuable insights, effectively addressing our research questions.

Main Results: The research findings shed light on the level of awareness of the perceived labor market challenges associated with automation and robotization. A significant proportion of students (86.7%) were familiar with these challenges. However, only a tiny fraction (11.5%) has acquired this awareness through educational efforts by institutions, emphasizing the need for improvement. Most students inadvertently stumble upon information on these challenges through news and media sources, often considered superficial and needing more guidance for effective career planning. Furthermore, the study reveals a deficiency in university counseling services, leaving many students uncertain about their career prospects in a world influenced by automation and robotization.

Discussion: The study exposes concerning insights about the preparedness of educational institutions for the labor market challenges in the era of automation and robotization under Thailand 4.0. A significant proportion of students (40.6%) fear post-graduation unemployment, while a more substantial percentage (72.4%) anticipates their chosen professions becoming obsolete shortly after graduation, demanding urgent intervention. Furthermore, it highlights a lack of clear objectives within these institutions, casting doubts on the adequacy and relevance of current curricula. These findings necessitate a broader discussion on the challenges of automation and robotization in education.

Conclusions: While the study initially suggests that Thai educational institutions may not adequately prepare their students for the challenges of automation and robotization associated with Thailand 4.0, it is essential to recognize that the absence of explicit inclusion of technological disruptions within current curricula does not necessarily indicate failure on their part or a disconnect with the transforming labor market. Instead, it underscores the need for a more comprehensive evaluation. The study emphasizes the crucial role of educational institutions in shaping the future workforce and aligning themselves with the dynamic challenges of automation and robotization. Proactive steps, such as revising curricula, enhancing industry collaboration, and promoting lifelong learning, remain paramount. Neglecting to adapt to these changing conditions carries the risk of leaving a significant portion of the workforce unemployable and hindering Thailand's progress toward achieving its vision under Thailand 4.0.

Scientific Progress and Democratic Society through the Lens of Scientific Pluralism

2023-10-25T16:20:20+07:00

Background and Objectives:

In this research article, the researcher addresses the issue of creating public understanding in a democratic society about the progress of science, with an emphasis on pluralism from philosophers of science. The idea that there is only one truth and that there are just natural laws awaiting discovery by scientists has historically made it difficult to explain scientific progress. This belief motivates science to develop theories that explain the unity of science, and it is thought that diversity in the way different ideas presented by scientists is a problem that results in time being wasted in search of the most accurate theory. Some scientists perceive a benefit in having a range of scientific hypotheses, though. One benefit that is frequently cited is that scientific diversity as a whole contributes to the development of a democratic society that permits the expression of a range of viewpoints. The road to accountable scientific pluralism is fraught with difficulties, though. Therefore, it is crucial to take into account both pluralism's advantages and disadvantages. This research aims at:

analyzing in an epistemological way the interpretation of scientific theories and the progress of science from the perspectives of scientific pluralists;
analyzing the relationship between science and democracy in explaining scientific significance and progress; and
synthesizing new knowledge on epistemic dependentism and to argue that it plays a significant role in evaluating research issues related to scientific pluralism.

Methodology: The research methodology involves the application of documentary investigation along with philosophical discourse. The method of philosophical argumentation involves analyzing the lines of arguments found in relevant academic publications in order to assess their validity and soundness.

Main Results: One key argument of the pluralists is the use of the concept of theoretical pluralism, which suggests that scientific knowledge is created from a variety of perspectives according to the social and cultural context of knowledge creation. It is found that part of Longino's argument is based on the negation of rational/social dichotomy. Moreover, her theory is a departure from philosopher of science Philip Kitcher, who advocates the creation of scientific knowledge and the evaluation of scientific progress through the means of democratic society. He explains that these procedures will lead to "well-ordered science" in democratic society.

Discussions: The researcher examines the underlying ideas accepted by these two philosophers of science and finds that although their opinions differ, they have common ground in the acceptance of consensus. However, the views of both philosophers still lack weight in explaining the knowledge itself. The researcher argues that the acceptance of pluralism as a way of understanding scientific progress necessarily lends itself to dependentism, which points to interdependence in comparisons of superiority/inferiority between scientific theories. It is undeniable that the situation has emerged all the time, even though the success of the scientific theories being compared to each other comes from different social and cultural grounds of thought.

Conclusions: Some popular models of scientific pluralism in the philosophy of science still lack a compelling justification, particularly on the epistemic grounds. By elucidating the epistemic significance of the interdependence of these things, scientific pluralism can be strengthened by incorporating the notion of epistemic dependentism into the analysis of scientific progress.

Global English and Political Economy by John O’ Regan, Abingdon

2023-12-08T09:31:14+07:00