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References
Kelley, W.R. & Weston, H. B. Computers, Costs and Civil Liberties. Social Work 20(1):15–19, 1985 and Sullivan, R.J. Human Issues in Computerized Social Services Child Welfare, 59(7):401–406, 1980.
“Eliza” is a fairly primitive sentence-analyzing program which selects subjects, objects and verbs in more or less patterned sequences and “feeds them back” to the user as questions: E.g., The statement “Ifeel so depressed and angry” is likely to elicit the question, “Why do you feel so depressed and angry?” Not a trick exactly, but also not a serious pretender to “artificial intelligence!” See Joseph Weizenbaum,Computer Power and Human Reason, W. H. Freeman & Co.: San Francisco, 1976.
For example, many mental health professionals interested in computers have joined the Computer Users in Social Services (CUSS) Network. Haworth Press has begun publication of a specialty journal entitledComputers in Human Services. Professional meetings and conferences now typically include one or more sessions devoted to computer topics.
Lorents, A.C., “Small Computers: The Direction of the Future in Mental Health.”Administration in Social Work. 5(3–4), 1981. 57–68. Schoech, Richard. Computer Use in Human Services: A Guide for Information Management. Human Sciences Press. 1982. Mutschler, E. & Cnaan, R.A. Success and failure of computerized information systems: two case studies in human service agencies.Administration in Social Work, 9(1):67–79, 1985. Zuboff, S. New worlds of computer mediated work.Public Welfare, 41(4):36–44, 1983. Crimande, W. & Sawyer, H.W. Microcomputers in private sector rehabilitation.Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 27(1):26–31, 1983. Newkham, J. & Bawcom, L. Compurerizing an integrated clinical and financial record system in a CMHC: a pilot project.Administration in Social Work, 5(3–4), 97–111, 1981. Velasquez, J. S. & Lynch, M. M. Computerized information systems: a practice orientation.Administration in Social Work, 5(3–4), 113–127, 1981. Kucic, A. R., Sorensen, J. E. & Hornberg, G. W. Computer selection for human service organizations.Administration in Social Work, 7(1):63–75, 1983. Slavin, S., ed. Applying computers in social service and mental health agencies: a guide to selecting equipment, procedures and strategies.Administration in Social Work, 5(3–4):1–181, 1981.
An extended search of the major electronic bibliographies and information services turned up no references to spreadsheets in the mental health literature.
See Roger A. Lohmann, Breaking Even: Financial Management in Human Services. Temple University Press. 1980. pp. 172–176.
Notation throughout this article is in the Multiplan convention. (“R” precedes the row number and “C” precedes the column number)
Although the cost of spreadsheets varies widely, the mental health user should expect to spend from S99–S495 for a, PC-based spreadsheet program. Several companies also produce spreadsheet software for mainframe and mini-computers.
The term “What-If Analysis” has become a universal label for the type of sequential simulation of alternatives and options made possible by the speed and ease of spreadsheet programs.
The cents-per-hour increment for levels and the percentage increments for grades are for illustration purposes only. A user would probably use cents or percentages for either or both.
For an overview of computer simulations, see Luse, F. D. Use of computer simulation in social welfare management. Administration in Social Work, 4(3):13–22, 1980.
See Kay, A., “Computer Software.” Scientific American. (1984) 251.3. 53-69.
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Lohmann, R.A. Spreadsheet analysis in mental health administration. Journal of Mental Health Administration 14, 8–16 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02828425
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02828425