PATTERNS OF INTIMIDATION: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS

在第一阶段，这个SBIR项目的目标是确定使用基于网络的系统解决恐吓和欺凌的问题，第六，第七和第八年级的儿童在学校环境中的可行性。一个主要的创新是估计的社会网络参数相关的欺凌行为，其影响，欺负和受害者的地位和作用。拟议的系统将由两个相辅相成但又各不相同的软件组成部分组成，并将通过一个培训讲习班予以加强。第一个软件程序将收集用于描述每个教室的非正式社交网络的数据，此外还将收集涉及恐吓和欺凌行为的数据。第二个系统需要一个绘图和评估系统，由学校辅导员使用，以协助分析和预防。这两个系统将在第一阶段和第二阶段实施和测试，旨在支持两个层次的干预：（1）由欺凌者和受害者的辅导员进行个人“治疗”;（2）使用社交网络参数来识别参与欺凌的影响力领导者和群体动态，以及潜在的受害者。第一阶段的主要目标是：（1）实现和测试一个有效和高效的界面的可行性，让在校儿童可以使用该界面来记录社交网络和恐吓事件的数据;（2）自动计算并向辅导员呈现相关的社交网络参数;（3）材料和功能的初步开发和软件实施，以支持方案开发和干预措施的培训讲习班。对于软件系统的持续长期开发和演进，将软件实现为基于Web的多层（即，Web客户端、中间件和数据库服务器）因特网客户端-服务器系统具有显著的优点。与传统的客户端-服务器模式相比，在教室和学校之间部署这样的系统要容易得多，因为不需要专有网络软件，也不需要在个人计算机上安装和维护专有软件（除了互联网浏览器）。建议的系统的依赖Java的Web客户端和中间件开发提供了真实的平台独立性，重要的是，当许多学校使用苹果Macintosh和基于Windows的系统的混合。将受试者数据集中和异地保存在安全的数据库服务器中可增强机密性和安全性。在第二阶段，有针对性的干预措施将以社会网络参数为指导，并将通过使用该系统对成果进行系统评估。拟议的商业应用：恐吓和欺凌是一种广泛的攻击性行为，在学校中普遍存在，往往被忽视或淡化，但似乎具有显着的短期和长期负面影响。在学校环境中，很难衡量，观察和预防欺凌行为。检测社交网络及其在使欺凌行为永久化和指导干预方面的作用的有效软件具有巨大的商业潜力。

In Phase I, the goal of this SBIR project is to determine the feasibility of using a web-based system for addressing the problem of intimidation and bullying among 6th, 7th, and 8th grade children in the school setting. A major innovation is the estimation of social network parameters which are relevant to bullying behaviors, their effects, and bully and victim status and role. The proposed system will consist of two complementary but distinct software components, and will be enhanced with a training workshop. The first software program will collect data used in the description of each classroom's informal social network,in addition to collecting data involving intimidation and bullying behaviors. The second system entails a mapping and assessment system used by school counselors to assist in analysis and prevention. Together, these two systems, to be implemented and tested over the course of Phase I and Phase II, are intended to support two levels of intervention: (1) individual "treatment" by counselors of both bullies and victims; and (2) using social network parameters to identify influence leaders and group dynamics involved in bullying, as well as potential victims. In Phase I the main aims are (1) to implement and test the feasibility of an effective and efficient interface which children in school can use to record data on social networks and intimidation events; (2) automatic calculation and presentation to counselors of relevant social network parameters; (3) initial development and software implementation of materials and functions to support training workshops for program development and interventions. For ongoing long-term development and evolution of a software system, implementation of the software as a web-based, multi-tier (i.e., web client, middleware and data base server) internet client-server system has significant advantages. Deployment of such a system across classrooms and schools is far easier compared to traditional client- server models, since no proprietary networking software is needed nor does proprietary software (other than an internet browser) need to be installed and maintained on individual computers. The proposed system's reliance on Java for both the web client and middleware development provides real platform independence, important when many schools use a mix of Apple Macintosh and Windows-based systems. Having subject data kept centrally and off-site in a secure data base server enhances confidentiality and security. In Phase II targeted interventions will be guided by social network parameters, and outcomes will be systematically assessed through use of the system. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Intimidation and bullying is a broad type of aggressive behavior that is prevalent in schools and is often ignored or downplayed, but which appears to have significant short- and long-term negative effects. In school settings it is difficult to measure, observe, and prevent bullying behavior. Effective software for detecting social networks and their role in perpetuating bullying behavior and guiding interventions has significant commercial potential.