bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning about noun plurals in early Palestinian Arabic
Authors: Ravid Dorit , Farah Rola
Published: March 2007

This study examines the acquisition of noun plurals in a dialect of Palestinian Arabic (PA) spoken in the north of Israel. PA has both regular 'sound' plurals which are formed by the attachment of a feminine or masculine suffix to the singular stem, and so-called 'broken' irregular plurals which are formed by internal changes in the singular stem. Forty-eight children aged 2-6 years were presented with a set of singular nouns and were asked to provide the corresponding plural forms. The results indicate different learning patterns for the three plural types: while Sound Masculines and Broken Plurals are learnt gradually, Sound Feminines soar to ceiling level by age 3. Error analysis shows a U- shaped curve of overregularization of broken forms towards the regular sound plurals and, within the category of sound plurals, errors of suffix exchange from Masculine to Feminine plurals, again taking a U-shaped form. In contrast, irregularization errors of exchanging broken for sound and for other broken forms increase with age. The results are discussed in the framework of two models of the acquisition of inflectional morphology: a dual- route model in which two distinct processing systems (symbolic rule application and rote learning) handle regular and irregular forms; and a single-route (connectionist) model which explains the acquisition of both regular and irregular forms by associative memory.
Linguistic skills of 16- and 23-month-old twins and singletons in a triadic context
Authors: Tremblay-Leveau Hélène , Leclerc Sophie , Nadel Jacqueline
Published: March 2007

Previous studies of twins' language development have failed to control for possible context effects. We examined 16- and 23- month-old twins' and singletons' language productions in a triadic context. The triads included either two same-age toddlers and an adult experimenter, or a set of twins and the same adult experimenter. Since there are only two communicative roles - agent and recipient - for three participants, each child in turn experienced momentary exclusion as the consequence of the conversation between the other two. Explicit verbal attempts to tackle exclusion and participate in dyadic or triadic conversations were investigated. Results showed that 23-month-old twins' language production outstripped singletons' in terms of quantity and quality. The specific developmental course of linguistic skills for children living mostly in a multi-participant context is discussed.
The School Psychologist and the Use of IQ Scores in the Assessment of Children: Problems and Alternatives
Authors: Ballard Keith D.
Published: March 2007

The use of intelligence tests to predict an individual child's future achievement and to diagnose learning difficulties are assessment activities lacking empiri cal support, while the continued use of the IQ score to determine potential encourages a conservative approach to children's learning. An alternative assessment strategy is proposed. This involves assessment of the specific behaviours and environmental features that are relevant to a teaching or therapy programme and includes evaluation of the success of intervention as part of the school psychologist's assessment of the child.
To Combat Violence in the Child's World: Swedish Efforts to Strengthen the Child's Rights
Authors: Salzer E. Michael
Published: March 2007

Child discipline and classroom discipline are subjects of an ongoing debate between educators, psychologists and legislators in many countries. In 1979, Sweden went so far as to totally outlaw corporal punishment. It is considered that SPI can offer a valuable international forum for furthering the debate, and so the follow ing two articles are published to initiate this forum, and to encourage the submission of further manuscripts contributing to it.

The first article is reprinted from The Swedish Institute's publication Current Sweden (No. 229, July, 1979) and was first released in 1979 at the time corporal punishment was banned in Sweden. for further issues we invite contributions from Swedish psychologists describing the effects of such legislation after two years. The second article argues the need for proper respect and discipline in the Classroom
Improved Diabetes Control and Knowledge During a Diabetes Self-Help Group
Authors: Jennings Paul E. , Morgan Helen C. , Barnett Anthony H.
Published: March 2007

Thirty patients with insulin- dependent diabetes and their relatives participated in monthly evening group meetings for six months. Questionnaires assessed knowledge before and after the group meetings; and the percent of HbA 1 was used to assess diabetes control. Knowledge improved significantly from a mean score of 59.7%±9.6% to 69.1 % ±8.2 %, p<0. 0005, and HbA1 level from 12.4%±2.9% to 10.3%±2.5%, p<0.001. A . well-matched control group showed no improvement in HbA1 over the study period, while the improvement seen in the self- help group was sustained for the next 12 months. Although over 85 % of the diabetic group members felt their knowledge had improved, only 35% were aware of improvements in their control. These meetings proved an efficient means of improving patients' diabetes knowledge and control. They were easy and inexpensive to organize and may prove to be a useful aid in diabetes management.
Development and Evaluation of Diabetes Continuing Education Courses for Health Professionals: A Synthesis of Eight Years of Experience
Authors: Knopf Ralph F. , Kittel Pamela R.E. , Funnell Martha M. , Wolf Fredric M.
Published: March 2007

Fifteen continuing education courses in diabetes care attended by 943 health professionals were evaluated and synthesized using meta-analytic techniques. Objective and subjective evalu ation results were used to monitor and improve the quality of the programs. Participants' knowl edge of diabetes care issues improved an average of 36 percentile points (P<.001), providing objective evidence of the positive impact of the courses. Favorable ratings by participants of the usefulness of the course content in meeting their own learning needs provided subjec tive evidence of the value of the courses. A follow-up survey of participants six months later indicated that more than 80 % were successful in changing the educational and psychosocial aspects of their health care practices as a result of course attendance. Many reported increased understanding of the psychosocial aspects of diabetes and compliance problems, greater confidence in their dietary recom mendations and patient education skills, and increased personal satisfaction from their diabetes patient care.
The Use of Goal Setting by Physicians in the Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Dobson Josephj. , Nord Walter R. , Haire-Joshu Debra
Published: March 2007

Although physicians commonly report that they use goals in intro ducing diabetic regimens, little is known about exactly which aspects of established goal-setting techniques are used. This explor atory study sought to ascertain if and how medical doctors employ goal setting in presenting regimens to their patients. Six physicians (second-year metab olism fellows or endocrinologists) were asked to describe their treatment of a "typical" diabetic patient. The responses were analyzed for use of the elements of systematic goal setting. The results indicated that while the physicians had target outcomes in mind they made little use of the key elements of established goal- setting techniques.
The Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus: An Update
Authors: HERNANDEZ CAROL GREEN
Published: March 2007

The pathophysiology of both insulin- and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus centers on chronic untreated hyperglycemia. All individuals with diabetes are at risk for microvascular as well as macrovascular complications. Recent breakthroughs in research mandate an updated understanding of their pathogenesis. Good glycemic control must begin as soon as possible following diabetes onset. Deranged lipid metabolism similarly demands control for quantity of dietary fat. Other complications include sympathetic nervous sensitivity, at least in NIDDM, and neurobehavioral sequelae. These latter are especially evident in childhood IDDM. Pancreatic transplantation, appropriate insulinization, and second-generation hypoglycemic agents offer varied levels of effective diabetic therapy. Immunosuppression is a promising future therapeutic intervention.
The Relationship Between a Couple's Marital Adjustment and Beliefs About Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pieper Barbara A. , Kushion Wendla , Gaida Susan
Published: March 2007

Twenty married couples with one partner diagnosed as having diabetes at age 40 or older within the past 5 years participated in this study. Participants completed the diabetes or family version of Beliefs About Diabetes (BAD) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Results showed that perceived barriers to diet and to medication by the person with diabetes were associated with higher marital satisfaction and quality of marriage. In contrast, for the nondiabetic spouse, the perceived benefits of diet were negatively associated with the ability to work with the diabetic spouse. Additional research is needed to better understand the effect of diabetes on the marital relationship.
Follow-up Intervention: Its Effect on Compliance Behavior to a Diabetes Regimen
Authors: Estey Angela L. , Tan Meng H. , Mann Karen
Published: March 2007

This study tested the hypothesis that follow-up intervention (by telephone calls and home visit) affects compliance in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Sixty NIDDM patients were randomly assigned to two groups—a control group, which received the standard protocol (3-day educational program and a review session 1 month after the program); and an intervention group, which received the standard protocol as well as a series offour telephone calls and one home visit by a registered nurse over a 3-month period. Compliance to prescribed regimens was determined by analyzing three sets of data: changes in pre- to poststudy glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values; changes in pre- to poststudy weight; and frequency with which self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was practiced. Results showed that SMBG practice was significantly better for the intervention group. No significant differences were seen in poststudy HbA 1c values and weight changes between the two groups. Follow-up inter vention by telephone calls and home visit can enhance patient compliance to certain aspects of the prescribed diabetes management plan.
Assessment of the Effect of a Comprehensive Diabetes Management Program on Hospital Admission Rates of Children With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Drozda Debra J. , Dawson Veronica A. , Long Dorothy J. , Freson Lisa S. , Sperling Marka.
Published: March 2007

Admission records at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati were reviewed to determine the impact of a compre hensive diabetes management program on selected indicators of health status in children with diabetes mellitus. Two periods were compared: January 1973 through June 1978 (periodA), prior to institution of the program, and July 1978 through December 1987 (period B). Although the number of children admitted with a diagnosis of type I diabetes not associated with DKA or other diagnoses increased by 10 % during these 10 years, the number of children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) not associated with other diagnoses fell from 58% in period A to 24% in period B. Similarly, average length of stay for the reported DKA admissions decreased from a mean of 5.84 days in period A to a mean of 4. 62 days in period B. This reduction of 1.2 days saved an estimated $342,000 in hospi talization costs. These findings suggest that a comprehensive diabetes management program consisting of medical treatment, education, and psychological support services, has a positive influence on patient outcome and can be cost effective.
The Psychosocial Treatment of Recurrent Diabetic Ketoacidosis: An Interdisciplinary Team Approach
Authors: Henderson Gen
Published: March 2007

The professional expertise of the diabetes mental health professional is integral to the interdisciplinary team approach to recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A case report provides the context to illustrate the interconnection of concurrent strategies of diabetes management, teaching, and counseling. Specific methods include a practical approach to manipulative behavior in blood glucose monitoring, supervision ofinsulin administration, education, and intensive psychotherapy. In this case study, the adolescent's removal from her home environment, along with medical supervision and extensive psychosocial support, was instrumental in reversing the pattern of self-destructiveness. Recurrent DKA is a very specific problem for which the mental health professional can play an effective treatment role.
Exercise Habits and Exercise Relapse in Persons With Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: KRUG LINDA M. , HAIRE-JOSHU DEBRA , HEADY SUSAN A.
Published: March 2007

Exercise is widely recognized as a crucial component in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), but little is known about actual exercise practices in this group. This study investigated exercise habits in 60 persons with NIDDM and 60 nondiabetic significant others. Despite the importance of exercise, most of the persons with NIDDM in our study were not exercising regularly, and the percent of persons exercising regularly was no greater in the diabetic group than in the group of significant others. Although those with NIDDM reported more frequent discussion about exercise with health care professionals, only 25% reported receiving specific guidelines for exercise. Diabetic respondents reported a greater number of relapse or dropout episodes than did the nondiabetic significant others, and relapse was associated with increased guilt. Persons with NIDDM appear to receive recommendations to exercise without instruction on exercise maintenance strategies, resulting in more failed attempts to exercise, and increased guilt. Interventions shown to be effective for increasing exercise maintenance need to be incorporated into the diabetic regimen.
Self-Efficacy and Confidence in Outcomes as Determinants of Self-Care Practices in Inner-City, African-American Women with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
Authors: Skelly Anne H. , Marshall James R. , Haughey Brenda P. , Davis Paul J. , Dunford Robert G.
Published: March 2007

The puipose of this study was to examine the extent to which Perceived self-efficacy and confidence in outcomes, selected demographic variables, and disease characteristics (age, duration of diabetes, presence of documented complications) affect an individual's adherence over time to a diabetes regimen of home glucose testing, medication/insulin administration, diet, and exercise. A convenience sample of 118 inner-city, African-American women with type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus receiving outpatient care at a large urban hospital were asked to complete measures of each of the psychosocial variables on two occasions, separated by an interval of 4 to 5 months, and coinciding with their next scheduled clinic visit. Bivariate and multivariate analyses at Times 1 and 2 demonstrated the ability of self-efficacy alone to explain diet, exercise, and home-testing behaviors while suggesting variability within individuals in sense of self-efficacy over time.
The Physical Effects of Diabetes on Sexuality in Women
Authors: Lemone Priscilla
Published: March 2007

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all aspects of human sexuality. As an integral part of a woman's day-to-day life, sexuality may be adversely affected by diabetes in ways that are detrimental to her total health, her relationships, and her self-esteem. This descriptive study was conducted to describe the physical effects of diabetes on sexuality in women with insulin-dependent diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. A sample of 20 women were interviewed and data were analyzed to identify themes. Problems reported by subjects affecting sexuality were fatigue, changes in perimenstrual blood glucose control, vaginitis, decreased sexual desire, decreased vaginal lubrication, and an increased time to reach orgasm. Continued research is recommended to further explore these findings.
Discordance Between Physician and Patient Perceptions in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study of the Relationship to Adherence and Glycemic Control
Authors: Boyer Bret A. , Lerman Caryn , Shipley Thomas E. , McBrearty John , Quint Andrew , Goren Elihu
Published: March 2007

Glycolsylated hemoglobin (G Hb) levels and data on adherence and patient-provider discordance in beliefs about diabetes were collected from 42 insulin-requiring patients with diabetes. Discordance was calculated for both degree of discordance (absolute amount of disagreement) and direction of discordance (degree to which physician> patient or patient < physician). Patients generally agreed with physicians in perceptions of severity, costs of adherence, and immediate and long-term benefits of adherence. Significant differences were found between these dimensions. Only discordance on long-term benefits of adherence correlated with adherence, with greater discordance related to greater adherence. Discordance on the cost dimension correlated negatively with G Hb, suggesting better glycemic control with greater disagreement. Those who underestimate the cost of adherence show greater adherence. Adherence did not correlate significantly with glycemic control.
Ophthalmic Knowledge and Beliefs Among Women With Diabetes
Authors: Pasagian-Macaulay Araxi , Basch Charles E. , Zybert Patricia , Wylie-Rosett Judith
Published: March 2007

Many patients with diabetes do not obtain the recommended annual dilated eye exam that is necessary for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. In this study, 150 suburban, low-income women with diabetes were interviewed using a structured telephone questionnaire that included subscales of ophthalmic knowledge and beliefs regarding barriers, benefits, concerns, and self-efficacy related to receiving recommended ophthalmic screening. The data revealed significant gaps in knowledge about diabetes-related eye complications. More than half of the subjects did not know that eye complications may be asymptomatic and that there are ways to lower the risk of eye problems. Over three quarters did not mention having drops put in their eyes as part of an eye exam, one fifth did not know what type of health provider should perform an eye exam, and 17% did not know that annual eye exams were recommended. Subjects were concerned about eye complications associated with diabetes, were aware of the benefits of eye exams, and reported high levels of self- efficacy for receiving an annual eye exam.
Diabetes Education Infrastructure and Capacity in Hospitals and Home Health Agencies in Maryland and Pennsylvania
Authors: Redman Barbara K. , Barab Sasha
Published: March 2007

In this study, questionnaire data were described regarding diabetes education program capacity in Maryland and Pennsylvania hospitals, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and home health agencies (HHAs). Hospitals, HMOs, and HHAs in each state were asked to indicate whether they currently have a diabetes education program and, if not, whether they had such a program anytime within the past 10 years. Home health agencies were less likely to have had programs in the past and more likely to have recently established diabetes education programs. About half of hospitals currently without programs had a program sometime within the past 10 years. Hospitals in Maryland and Pennsylvania responded similarly; Pennsylvania HHAs were more likely to report having diabetes education programs than HHAs in Maryland. On the average, programs showed moderate levels of institutionalization. Respondents to the questionnaire believed that their programs would be sustained; these projections appeared to not be sensitive to availability of reimbursement.
Focus on Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes: Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Reusch Jane E-B.
Published: March 2007

Type 2 diabetes is extremely common and increasing in the United States. The pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes is a combination of increased insulin resistance and inadequate secretion. The main risk factors for diabetes are family history. obesity, sedentary lifestyle, ethnic background, age, and a history of gestational diabetes. Diet and exercise, the cornerstones of diabetes management, will improve insulin sensitivity and indirectly augment insulin secretion. Until recently, the only pharmacological approaches to diabetes were sulfonylureas and insulin, which either augment insulin secretion or replace insulin, thus acting only on the insulin side of the equation. Recently, a series of new drugs have become anailable that are capable of decreasing hepatic glucose output (metformin), slowing postprandial glucose absorption (acarbose), and improving peripheral insulin sensitivity (troglitazone). With these drugs, either alone or in combination, and behavioral therapies, it is now feasible to achieve good to outstanding glycemic control in most individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Exemplars' Experience of Self-Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ellison Geraldine C. , Rayman Kathleen M.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of learning self-management among women with type 2 diabetes. The 17 study participants were nominated as exemplars of self-management by diabetes experts. Data were generated from four structured focus groups, clinic records of participants, and investigator field notes. Using the constant comparative method of analysis , data were examined for patterns and themes. Analysis revealed that participants moved through three distinct phases of learning to manage diabetes. Movement through phases was heralded by identifiable transitional events. The three phases — management-as-rules, management-as-work, and management-as-living — are described as a model by which healthcare practitioners and educators can better understand the socioclinical aspects in self-management of type 2 diabetes.
Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young: Recent Findings Indicate Insulin Resistance/Obesity Are Not Factors
Authors: Cabanas E. Ann
Published: March 2007

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a relatively rare subtype of type 2 diabetes characterized by an early age of onset and autosomal dominant inheritance. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with insulin resistance, MODY is caused by a primary defect in pancreatic beta-cell function resulting in a decrease in insulin secretion. Obesity is not a feature of MODY. However, environmental stressors that increase the demand for insulin, such as illness or puberty, may unmask the genetically limited insulin secretory reserve of the undiagnosed MODY patient. Euglycemia is the primary goal of therapy, and diet is the cornerstone of glycemic control. Sulfonylureas and/or exogenous insulin may also be required depending on the degree of dysfunction of the beta cells.
Psychosocial Sequelae of Visual Loss in Diabetes
Authors: Cox Daniel J. , Kiernan Brian D. , Schroeder Deborah B. , Cowley Marinne
Published: March 2007

This study evaluated whether degree of related visual impairment is associated with degree of psochological symptoms in general, and specifically more somatization, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, fear of hypoglycemia, and stress. A total of 49 volunteer subjects with diabetes-induced Visual impairment were subdivided into totally blind and partially sighted groups, and were compared with 62 nonvisually impaired adults with diabetes. All were given the Brief Symptom Index, the Hypoglycemic Fear Survey, and the Perceived Stress Scale, along with a general questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics. Mean scores of the partially sighted group did not differ from the non visually impaired group, but the blind subjects reported more general psychological symptoms, somatization, anxiety, and phobic anxiety. Significantly more blind than sighted subjects exhibited clinical elevations on anxiety, phobic anxiety and fear of hypoglycemia. Regression analysis confirmed the significant visual loss on psychological functioning and revealed large individual differences in how patients respond to visual loss. Future research needs to investigate the human and financial costs, risk factors, and
Comment on Gergen's "Social Psychology as History"
Authors: Manis Melvin
Published: March 2007

A recent article by Gergen suggests that social psychology cannot reasonably aspire to the general time-independent laws that are characteristic of the physical sciences. Consideration of this thesis suggests that the underlying rationale may place undue reliance on the effects of psychological enlightenment, and on the individual's needs to demonstrate his behavioral freedom and uniqueness. A tentative generali zation suggests that the processes underlying social behavior may be relatively stable, but that they operate on an endless variety of social contents (conditions) to yield the diverse social behaviors and relation ships that we observe.
COMPAR: Introducing Subjects to (Fictional) Others via Computer Terminal
Authors: Evans Mark S. , Dabbs James M.
Published: March 2007

COMPAR is a program which generates descriptions of fictional other persons based on a subject's description of himself. The subject sits at a computer terminal, where he completes an at titude questionnaire. A computer file controls the number of fictional others that will be generated and the degree of atti tudinal similarity between the subject and each of the others. COMPAR automates an otherwise tedious procedure, and subjects enjoy participating. It can be used for a variety of studies. The program deck and instructions are available from the authors.
Enhancement of Response Rate by the Mere Physical Presence of the Experimenter
Authors: Rittle Robert H. , Bernard Nickolas
Published: March 2007

Based on Cottrell's theory of learned social drive, it was predicted that the mere physical presence of an experimenter would facilitate performance by serving as a discriminative, conditioned stimulus. In the control condition of a within- subjects design the experimenter was seated behind a cabinet, 3 m from the subject. In a mere presence condition the experimenter was seated beside the subject, but with his back toward the subject. The potential for evaluation was not increased by the experimenter's physical presence, yet his presence produced a significant increase in response rate on a simple word construction task. In a third condition the experimenter's chair was rotated to permit direct observation of the subject's performance. Direct observation produced only a minor increase in response rate, compared to the mere presence condition.
Beauty or Brains: Which Image for Your Mate?
Authors: Meiners Mary Lee , Sheposh John P.
Published: March 2007

Male and female subjects evaluated a male after seeing a videotape of him with his girlfriend. The attractiveness and intelligence of the girlfriend was varied. A multivariate analysis of variance on 10 dependent measures showed the male to be evalu ated more favorably when his partner was more attractive or more intelligent. Univariate analysis showed attractiveness affected all of the dependent measures. Intelligence affected a more select group of attributes--talent, self-confidence, and intelli gence--but affected this group about as much as attractiveness did. Intelligence and beauty have special and different places in the interpersonal marketplace.
The Place of Naive Contents in a Theory of Attribution: Reflections on Calder's and Zuckerman's Critiques of the Endogenous-Exogenous Partition
Authors: Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: March 2007

Based on Calder's and Zuckerman's recent comments this paper re-examines internal and endogenous attributions in the broad context of lay inference. It is proposed that both internality and endogeneity refer to the contents of attribution rather than to the Process of attribution. In this sense internality and endogeneity are not part of the scientific theory of attribution that must remain invariant across contents. Furthermore, the following specific conclusions are reached: (1) Arguments to the contrary notwithstanding the internal-external partition does appear troubled by the problems of criterion and of inference, while the endogenous-exogenous partition seems relatively clear of these problems. (2) The endogenous (-exogenous) and the internal (-external) distinctions differ authentically from each other rather than being conceptually equivalent, or being merely stated on different levels of abstraction. (3) The contents of attribution must be specified from the layman's perspective, otherwise they may not account for lay inferences. Therefore, the suggestion that endogeneity is phenomenological and internality - scientific is judged unacceptable.
Dimensions of Adolescent Alienation
Authors: Mackey James , Ahlgren Andrew
Published: March 2007

A review of the psychological, sociological and educational literature indicated that the various conceptualizations of "alienation" could be fitted into five tentative categories appearing to have con siderable overlap. An item pool developed to repre sent these categories of alienation was screened by expert review and pilot testing in the 9th grade and then administered to 500 "normal" adolescents in 9th-grade classes in four diverse communities in Minnesota: a rural area, a suburban area, and working class and inner city areas of a large city. Factor analysis identified three coherent dimensions in student responses, which were labeled "Personal Incapacity," "Cultural Estrangement," and "Guidelessness." Simple cluster scores constructed to represent these dimensions had internal-consis tency reliabilities of .80, .70, and .67 respectively. Patterns of significant differences shown by anal yses of variance among groups defined by commun ity type, socio-economic status, ability, and sex, compared well with hypothesized patterns; the few exceptions were tenable. The scales provide con crete measures of alienation that may enable more meaningful investigation of its incidence, correlates, and causes.
Choice Reaction Time
Authors: Lunneborg Clifford E.
Published: March 2007

Three studies are described in which choice reac tion time (RT) was related to such psychometric ability measures as verbal comprehension, nu merical reasoning, hidden figures, and progressive matrices tests. Although fairly consistent negative correlations were found between these tests and choice RT when high school samples were used, differences from study to study highlight the need to develop more reliable measures for cognitive laboratory procedures and to study these in popu lations that are more broadly representative of hu man cognitive power.
A Multitrait-Multirater Analysis of a Behaviorally- Anchored Rating Scale for Sales Personnel
Authors: Ivancevich John M.
Published: March 2007

Behaviorally-anchored rating scales (BARS) have grown in popularity among researchers and practi tioners. There have been reports and studies of BARS being used to evaluate the performance of nurses, engineers, grocery clerks, managers, and teachers. An important issue in using BARS con cerns the validity of the instrument. This study of the development and validity evaluation by the multitrait-multirater approach of a BARS for sales personnel suggests (1) moderate convergent validity and (2) little or no discriminant validity.
Some Missing Data Patterns for Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Thompson Paul
Published: March 2007

Most tasks used to gather information for multidimen sional scaling analysis are quite difficult for people to perform. An experiment was run to determine if sys tematic limits existed in such data collection situations and to determine the form that these limitations as sumed. The solution obtained from a complete order ing of stimuli to targets, using the conditional rank or der paradigm, was compared to solutions obtained from certain partial orders, constructed from the com plete orders by setting certain rankings equal. The par tial orders were found to reproduce the complete order solution quite accurately when about one half of the information was eliminated. The information elimi nated about similar items produced more differences in the obtained solutions than did the information about dissimilar stimuli. Suggestions about efficient techniques for gathering information for multidimen sional scaling purposes are discussed.
Fitting Unidimensional Choice Models with Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Davison Mark L. , Wood Phillip K.
Published: March 2007

A class of unidimensional choice models is de scribed. Thurstone's paired comparisons model, Case 5, and the Bradley-Terry-Luce model both fall into the class. A simple nonmetric method is presented for es timating scale values from choice data which satisfy any model in the class. In two examples, nonmetric scale values are compared to Thurstone estimates. The scaling method is extended to permit estimation of scale values in a class of unidimensional ordered-cate gory models, a class which includes the law of cate gorical judgment.
The Effects of Negation Mode, Syllogistic Invalidity, and Linguistic Medium on the Psychometric Properties of Deductive Reasoning Tests
Authors: Nester Mary Anne , Colberg Magda
Published: March 2007

This study explored the relationship between certain formal (logical) properties of syllogistic items and the psychometric properties of the items. The formal properties of negation mode, syllogistic invalidity, and linguistic medium (symbolic versus verbal) were var ied in 16 syllogistic tests. When administered to large samples of college-educated adults, the tests had diffi culty levels that were in consonance with previous findings relative to the content and validity of syllog isms. However, the variable of negation mode had the greatest effect on test means. The study expands on previous studies of negation by analyzing negative propositional equivalents in the syllogistic context. These equivalents include term negation in addition to the more familiar verb negation.
Effect of Examinee Group on Equating Relationships
Authors: Harris Deborah J. , Kolen Michael J.
Published: March 2007

Many educational tests make use of multiple test forms, which are then horizontally equated to establish interchangeability among forms. To have confidence in this interchangeability, the equating relationships should be robust to the particular group of examinees on which the equating is conducted. This study inves tigated the effects of ability of the examinee group used to establish the equating relationship on linear, equipercentile, and three-parameter logistic IRT esti mated true score equating methods. The results show all of the methods to be reasonably independent of ex aminee group, and suggest that population independ ence is not a good reason for selecting one method over another.
Small N Does Not Always Justify Rasch Model
Authors: de Gruijter Dato N. M.
Published: March 2007

In many applications of item response theory, it is of little consequence whether the Rasch model or a more accurate, but more complicated item response model is used. With small sample sizes, it might be advantageous to employ the Rasch model. A clear counterexample is the case of optimal item selection under guessing.
Methodology Review: Item Parameter Estimation Under the One-, Two-, and Three-Parameter Logistic Models
Authors: Baker Frank B.
Published: March 2007

This paper surveys the techniques used in item re sponse theory to estimate the parameters of the item characteristic curves fitted to item response data. The major focus is on the joint maximum likelihood esti mation (JMLE) procedure, but alternative approaches are also examined. The literature shows that both the theoretical asymptotic properties and the empirical properties of the JMLE results are well-established. Al though alternative approaches are available, such as Bayesian estimation and marginal maximum likelihood estimation, they do not appear to have an overwhelm ing advantage over the JMLE procedure. However, the properties of these alternative techniques have not been thoroughly studied as yet. It is also clear that the properties of the item parameter estimation techniques are inextricably intertwined with the computer pro grams used to implement them.
Use of the Log Odds Ratio to Assess the Reliability of Dichotomous Questionnaire Data
Authors: Sprott D.A. , Vogel-Sprott M.D.
Published: March 2007

The use of the log odds ratio to measure test-retest reliability of dichotomous questionnaire response data is discussed. Its application is illustrated using ques tionnaire data on family history of problem drinking. The superiority of the log odds ratio as a measure of reliability of such data is discussed. Uninformative datasets are characterized.
An Alternative Procedure for Assessing Convergent and Discriminant Validity
Authors: Lehmann Donald R.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a simple procedure for estab lishing convergent and discriminant validity. The method uses ordinary least-squares regression (OLS) with the correlations between measures as the depen dent variable. Illustrations indicate that the method provides reasonable answers. Index terms: conver gent validity, discriminant validity, multiple regres sion.
Distinguishing Between Measurements and Dependent Variables
Authors: Overall John E.
Published: March 2007

Humphreys and Drasgow (1989b) recognize two types of dependent variables: the original measure- merits collected in an experiment and mathematical variables that are subjected to statistical analysis. Overall and Woodward (1975) were explicitly con cerned with the latter, whereas Humphreys and Dras gow contend that they were concerned with reliability of the original measurements from which difference scores may be computed. These are quite different matters. Criticisms should focus on points of disagree ment, and there has never been any disagreement con cerning the importance of reliability of the original measurements. The notion that treatment effects should be considered a part of the true variance for calculation of reliability estimates is rejected as stem ming from their failure to understand the basic differ ence between reliability and validity. Index terms: control of individual differences, difference scores, measurement of change, reliability of the marginal distribution, statistical power, within-group reliabili ties.
Fitting a Polytomous Item Response Model to Likert-Type Data
Authors: Muraki Eiji
Published: March 2007

This study examined the application of the MML-EM algorithm to the parameter estimation problems of the normal ogive and logistic polytomous response models for Likert-type items. A rating-scale model was devel oped based on Samejima's (1969) graded response model. The graded response model includes a separate slope parameter for each item and an item response parameter. In the rating-scale model, the item re sponse parameter is resolved into two parameters: the item location parameter, and the category threshold parameter characterizing the boundary between re sponse categories. For a Likert-type questionnaire, where a single scale is employed to elicit different re sponses to the items, this item response model is ex pected to be more useful for analysis because the item parameters can be estimated separately from the threshold parameters associated with the points on a single Likert scale. The advantages of this type of model are shown by analyzing simulated data and data from the General Social Surveys. Index terms: EM algorithm, General Social Surveys, graded response model, item response model, Likert scale, marginal maximum likelihood, polytomous item response model, rating-scale model.
A Generative Approach to the Modeling of Isomorphic Hidden-Figure Items
Authors: Bejar Isaac I. , Yocom Peter
Published: March 2007

A generative approach to psychometric model ing consists of encoding information about the cognitive processes and structures that underlie test performance into an item-generation algorithm in such a way that the generated items have known psychometric parameters. An important by-product of the approach is that the knowledge about the response process is tested every time a test is ad ministered. Validation thus becomes an ongoing process rather than an occasional event. This ap proach is illustrated through an analysis of hidden- figure items, and is shown to be feasible.
A Conceptual Analysis of Differential Item Functioning in Terms of a Multidimensional Item Response Model
Authors: Camilli Gregory
Published: March 2007

Differential item functioning (DIF) has been informally conceptualized as multidimensionality. Recently, more formal descriptions of DIF as multidimensionality have become available in the item response theory literature. This approach assumes that DIF is not a difference in the item parameters of two groups; rather, it is a shift in the distribution of ability along a secondary trait that influences the probability of a correct item response. That is, one group is relatively more able on an ability such as test-wiseness. The parameters of the secondary distribution are confounded with item parameters by unidimensional DIF detection models, and this manifests as differences between estimated item parameters. However, DIF is con founded with impact in multidimensional tests, which may be a serious limitation of unidimen sional detection methods in some situations. In the multidimensional approach, DIF is considered to be a function of the educational histories of the examinees. Thus, a better tool for understanding DIF may be provided through structural modeling with external variables that describe background and schooling experience.
A Generalized Partial Credit Model: Application of an EM Algorithm
Authors: Muraki Eiji
Published: March 2007

The partial credit model (PCM) with a varying slope parameter is developed and called the generalized partial credit model (GPCM). The item step parameter of this model is decomposed to a location and a threshold parameter, following Andrich's (1978) rating scale formulation. The EM algorithm for estimating the model parameters is derived. The performance of this generalized model is compared on both simulated and real data to a Rasch family of polytomous item response models. Simulated data were generated and then analyzed by the various polytomous item response models. The results demonstrate that the rating formulation of the GPCM is quite adaptable to the analysis of polytomous item responses. The real data used in this study consisted of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (Johnson & Allen, 1992) mathematics data that used both dichotomous and polytomous items. The PCM was applied to these data using both constant and varying slope parameters. The GPCM, which provides for varying slope parameters, yielded better fit to the data than did the PCM.
A Review of Regression Diagnostics for Behavioral Research
Authors: Chatterjee Sangit , Yilmaz Mustafa
Published: March 2007

Influential data points can affect the results of a regression analysis; for example, the usual sum mary statistics and tests of significance may be misleading. The importance of regression diagnostics in detecting influential points is discussed, and five statistics are recommended for the applied researcher. The suggested diagnostics were used on a small dataset to detect an influen tial data point, and the effects were analyzed. Colinearity-based diagnostics also are discussed and illustrated on the same dataset. The non- robustness of the least squares estimates in the presence of influential points is emphasized. Diagnostics for multiple influential points, multi variate regression, multicolinearity, nonlinear regression, and other multivariate procedures also are discussed.
Measuring the Difference Between Two Models
Authors: Levine Michael V. , Drasgow Fritz , Williams Bruce , McCusker Christopher , Thomasson Gary L.
Published: March 2007

Two psychometric models with very different parametric formulas and item response functions can make virtually the same predictions in all applications. By applying some basic results from the theory of hypothesis testing and from signal detection theory, the power of the most powerful test for distinguishing the models can be com puted. Measuring model misspecification by com puting the power of the most powerful test is proposed. If the power of the most powerful test is low, then the two models will make nearly the same prediction in every application. If the power is high, there will be applications in which the models will make different predictions. This measure, that is, the power of the most powerful test, places various types of model misspecifica tion— item parameter estimation error, multidi mensionality, local independence failure, learning and/or fatigue during testing—on a common scale. The theory supporting the method is presented and illustrated with a systematic study of misspecifica tion due to item response function estimation error. In these studies, two joint maximum likelihood estimation methods (LOGIST 2B and LOGIST 5) and two marginal maximum likelihood estimation methods (BILOG and ForScore) were contrasted by measuring the difference between a simulation model and a model obtained by applying an estimation method to simulation data. Marginal estimation was found generally to be superior to joint estimation. The parametric marginal method (BILOG) was superior to the nonparametric method only for three- parameter logistic models. The nonparametric mar ginal method (ForScore) excelled for more general models. Of the two joint maximum likelihood methods studied, LOGIST s appeared to be more accurate than LOGIST 2B.
Unidimensional Calibrations and Interpretations of Composite Traits for Multidimensional Tests
Authors: Luecht Richard M. , Miller Timothy R.
Published: March 2007

A two-stage process that considers the multi dimensionality of tests under the framework of unidimensional item response theory (IRT) is described and evaluated. In the first stage, items are clustered in a multidimensional latent space with respect to their direction of maximum dis crimination. The separate item clusters are subsequently calibrated using a unidimensional IRT model to provide item parameter and trait estimates for composite traits in the context of the multidimensional trait space. This application is proposed as a workable compromise to some of the estimation, indeterminacy, and interpretation problems that affect the direct use of multi dimensional IRT procedures for item calibration and trait estimation. The findings of a study based on simulated multidimensional data indicate that there are identifiable gains in estimation robustness and score interpretation with almost no sacrifice in goodness-of-fit using this two-stage approach to modeling composite latent traits.
Scale Shrinkage in Vertical Equating
Authors: Camilli Gregory , Yamamoto Kentaro , Wang Ming-mei
Published: March 2007

As an alternative to equipercentile equating in the area of multilevel achievement test batteries, item response theory (IRT) vertical equating has produced unexpected results. When expanded standard scores were obtained to link the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills and the California Achievement Test, the variance of test scores diminished both within particular grade levels from fall to spring, and also from lower to upper grade levels. Equi percentile equating, on the other hand, has resulted in increasing variance both within and across grade levels, although the increases are not linear across grade levels. Three potential causes of scale shrink age are discussed, and a more comprehensive, model-based approach to establishing vertical scales is described. Test data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress were used to estimate the distribution of ability at grades 4, 8, and 12 for several math achievement subtests. For each subtest, the variance of scores increased from grade 4 to grade 8; however, beyond grade 8 the results were not uniform.