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来解决学校六、七、八年级儿童的恐吓和欺凌问题的可行性。一个主要的创新是对与欺凌行为及其影响、欺凌者和受害者地位和角色相关的社会网络参数的估计。拟议的系统将由两个互补但不同的软件组成，并将以培训讲习班加以加强。第一个软件程序将收集用于描述每个教室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测绘和评估系统，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的过程中实施和测试，旨在支持两个层面的干预：(1)辅导员对欺凌者和受害者的个人“治疗”；(2)利用社会网络参数识别恃强凌弱的影响领导者和群体动态，以及潜在的受害者。在第一阶段，主要目标是(1)实施和测试一个有效和高效的界面的可行性，学校的孩子可以用它来记录社交网络和恐吓事件的数据；(2)自动计算相关社会网络参数并呈现给咨询师；(3)材料和功能的初始开发和软件实施，以支持项目开发和干预的培训研讨会。对于正在进行的软件系统的长期开发和演变，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）internet客户机-服务器系统具有显著的优势。与传统的客户端-服务器模式相比，跨教室和学校部署这样一个系统要容易得多，因为不需要专有的网络软件，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）。该系统在web客户端和中间件开发方面都依赖于Java，这提供了真正的平台独立性，在许多学校混合使用苹果Macintosh和基于windows的系统时，这一点很重要。将主题数据集中保存在安全的数据库服务器中，可以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，并通过使用该系统系统地评估结果。建议的商业应用：恐吓和欺凌是一种广泛的攻击性行为，在学校很普遍，经常被忽视或淡化，但似乎有显著的短期和长期的负面影响。在学校环境中，很难衡量、观察和防止欺凌行为。用于检测社交网络及其在延续欺凌行为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.