bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separate Movement Planning and Spatial Assimilation Effects in Sequential Bimanual Aiming Movements
Authors: Sherwood David E.
Published: September 2010

This study extended earlier work by showing spatial assimilations in sequential bimanual aiming movements when the participant preplanned only the first movement of a two-movement sequence. Right-handed participants ( n = 20, aged 18 to 22 years) made rapid lever reversals of 20° and 60° singly and sequentially with an intermovement interval of 2.5 sec. Following blocked single practice of both movements in each hand (15 trials each), two sets of 30 sequential practice trials were completed. The sequences began with either the long or the short movement and the participant always knew the goal of the first movement. During the intermovement interval, the experimenter gave instructions to complete the sequence with a short movement, a long movement, or no movement in a random order. Compared to the single trials, both movements in the sequence overshot the short-distance and undershot the longdistance goal. Spatial errors increased when a change in the movement goal was required for the second movement in the sequence. The experiment demonstrated that separate planning of sequential aiming movements can reduce spatial assimilation effects, but interference due to practice organization and switching the task's goal must also be overcome in order to produce accurate aiming movements.
Hands-Free versus Hand-Held Cell Phone Conversation on a Braking Response by Young Drivers
Authors: Hendrick Joy L. , Switzer Jamie R.
Published: September 2010

As some states allow motorists to use hands-free cell phones only while driving, this study was done to examine some braking responses to see if conversing on these two types of cell phones affects quick responding. College-age drivers ( n = 25) completed reaction time trials in go/no-go situations under three conditions: control (no cell phone or conversation), and conversing on hands-free and hand-held cell phones. Their task involved moving the right foot from one pedal to another as quickly as possible in response to a visual signal in a lab setting. Significantly slower reaction times, movement times, and total response times were found for both cell phone conditions than for the control but no differences between hands-free and hand-held phone conditions. These findings provide additional support that talking on cell phones, regardless if it is hands-free or hand-held, reduces speed of information processing.
A Japanese Treatment Used in Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescence
Authors: Dadkhah Asghar , Raoufi Mohammad Bagher
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the present report is to study the efficacy of a Dohsa-hou, a Japanese Psychorehabilitation method, in a treatment of major depression in three men ( M age = 20 yr.), selected randomly for treatment. Initially, participants' baseline condition was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Family Assessment of Depression Questionnaire. Each subject had 12 sessions of 45 min. training over 4 wk. Postassessment and follow-up assessment were done. Findings for pre- and posttreatment test data indicated depression was reduced, being mainly evident in cognitive, somatic, and affective symptoms related to lower depression.
Reading and Spontaneous Speaking Fundamental Frequency of Young Arabic Men for Arabic and English Languages: A Comparative Study
Authors: Abu-Al-Makarem Ali , Petrosino Linda
Published: September 2010

Speaking fundamental frequency (SFF), the average fundamental frequency (lowest frequency of a complex periodic sound) measured over the speaking time of a vocal or speech task, is a basic acoustic measure in clinical evaluation and treatment of voice disorders. Currently, there are few data on acoustic characteristics of different sociolinguistic groups, and no published data on the fundamental frequency characteristics of Arabic speech. The purpose of this study was to obtain preliminary data on the SFF characteristics of a group of normal speaking, young Arabic men. 15 native Arabic men ( M age = 23.5 yr., SD = 2.5) as participants received identical experimental treatment. Four speech samples were collected from each one, Arabic reading, Arabic spontaneous speech, English reading, and English spontaneous speech. Speaking samples, analyzed using the Computerized Speech Lab, showed no significant difference for mean SFF between language and type of speech and none for mean SFF between languages. A significant difference in the mean SFF was found between the types of speech. The SFF used during reading was significantly higher than that for spontaneous speech. Also Arabic men had higher SFF values than those previously reported for young men in other linguistic groups. SFF then might differ among linguistic, dialectical, and social groups and such data may provide clinicians information useful in evaluation and management of voice.
Exploring Learners' Self-Efficacy, Autonomy, and Motivation toward E-Learning
Authors: Huang Hsiu-Mei , Liaw Shu-Sheng
Published: September 2010

A questionnaire survey was conducted with 116 college students (47 men, 69 women) in Central Taiwan to investigate predictive relationships among four attitudinal variables, perceived self-efficacy, learners' autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation toward e-learning. Analysis showed learners' autonomy was predictive of both intrinsic (57% independent variance explained) and extrinsic motivation (61% independent variance explained). Although perceived self-efficacy was not a predictor of intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, it correlated significantly with extrinsic motivation.
Frontal and Posterior Erps Related to Line Bisection
Authors: Çiçek Metehan , Nalçaci Ereian , Kalaycioğlu Canan
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic nature of the cortical visuospatial attention processes during the line bisection test, which is sensitive to perceptual asymmetries. EEGs of 26 normal volunteers were recorded during the administration of a computerized line bisection test, which requires participants mark the midline of lines using a mouse. Two event-related potentials subsequent and time locked to the line presentations, namely, P300 and a positive slow wave, were obtained. Findings suggested that both potentials were related to the test performance, and the right hemisphere was more active. Analysis suggested a right parietotemporal and superior parietal locus for the P300 and right prefrontal activity for the positive slow wave. A dynamic asymmetrical activity was identified, such that after primary visual perception, spatial processing is then initiated in the right parietotemporal cortex and then proceeds to the right prefrontal cortex.
A Hierarchical Model of Approach Achievement Motivation and Effort Regulation during a 90-Min. Soccer Match
Authors: Thomassen Tor Oskar , Halvari Hallgeir
Published: September 2010

Research indicates that effort close to the lactate threshold during a soccer match is of importance to succeed, so a prospective study was conducted and a hierarchical achievement motivation approach model tested in relation to effort regulation among 55 male high level soccer players ( M = 23.6 yr., SD = 4.3). The motive to achieve success was expected to be positively associated with the mastery goal, which would be positively associated with playing time close to the lactate threshold in the first soccer match period, and this positively associated with the same magnitude of effort in the second period. We also examined whether the mastery goal would mediate the link between the motive to achieve success and playing time close to the lactate threshold during the first period and also playing time close to the lactate threshold in the first period would mediate the link between the mastery goal and playing time at this effort level during the second period. LISREL analyses supported these predictions. Additional hierarchical polynomial multiple regression analyses indicated unexpected significant nonlinear associations between the motive to avoid failure and effort regulation. The latter is partly explained by ideas from the catastrophe theory.
Dream Recall Frequency by Socioeconomic Status of Chinese Students
Authors: Schredl Michael
Published: September 2010

Whereas the effect of sex and age on dream recall have been studied widely, socioeconomic status has rarely been investigated. However, two studies reported that higher socioeconomic status was related to greater frequency of dream recall. In the present sample of 612 Chinese students from three different schools, one elite (high socioeconomic status), one rural (low socioeconomic status) and one intermediate, analysis of variance indicated no significant association between frequency of dream recall and socioeconomic status. Researchers could investigate whether “dream socialization,” e.g., encouragement of a child to remember his dreams, depends on socioeconomic background, whether these processes are mediated by culture.
Exercise Commitment and Proneness to Eating Disorders in a Group of Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Pini Mauro , Calamari Elena , Puleggio Antonio , Pullera Michela
Published: September 2010

The study examined the association of exercise commitment with proneness to eating disorders in 50 physical education teachers who had been practicing various aerobic sports at least three times a week for at least 5 years. Significant coefficients were found between Commitment to Exercise Scale scores, the number of weekly training sessions, and scores on the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 scales measuring Maturity Fears, Social Insecurity, Perfectionism, and Asceticism. However, no relationship was found between the Commitment to Exercise Scale and the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 variables measuring anorexic tendencies (such as Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction, and Bulimia). Findings suggest the presence of some psychological factors common to both anorexic tendencies and excessive exercising but not complete overlap, so a rather more complex pattern of relationships appears to be mediated by sex and personality characteristics.
Association of Depression in Mothers of Disabled Children with the Child's Participation in Integrated Education
Authors: Ceylan Remziye , Aral Neriman
Published: September 2010

To measure depression in mothers of 5 to 7-yr.-old children with disabilities and to find out whether mothers' depression varied by sex of the child, 126 mothers from Ankara participated; 59 were mothers of children with disabilities who participated in integrated education and attended preschool classes in public schools and, as a comparison group, 67 were mothers of children with disabilities of similar age and characteristics who did not participate in integrated education while attending public and private schools. In the study, the Beck Depression Scale and General Information Forms were used. Depression in mothers of children with disabilities who did not participate in integrated education was higher than in mothers of children with disabilities who participated in integrated education.
Prevalence of Flying Dreams
Authors: Schredl Michael , Piel Edgar
Published: September 2010

The present study investigated the prevalence of flying dreams in four representative German samples of adults ( N = 5,941). Overall, 7.5% of the participants reported having flying dreams within the last few months. The increase in percentage of persons who report flying dreams from 1956 to 2000 might reflect the increasing amount of air travel. This would support the continuity hypothesis of dreaming.
Activity and Obesity of Colombian Immigrants in Canada Who Use a Food Bank
Authors: Ng Victor , Rush Timothy J. , He Meizi , Irwin Jennifer D.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to provide some preliminary description of the Latin-Canadian community by reporting the socioeconomic status, physical activity, and weight status (i.e., healthy weight, overweight, or obese status) of Colombians newly immigrated to London, Ontario Canada. Face-to-face interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of 77 adult Colombian immigrant food bank users (46.8% men; mean age 39.9 yr., SD = 11.8). Physical activity was gauged using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and self-report Body Mass Index, and sociodemographic data were collected. Of respondents, 47% had a university education, and 97% received social support. 61% met recommended levels of physical activity. Men were more active, being involved in about 130 min. more of exercise per week, and more men were overweight than women (63.9% versus 39.0%, respectively). Of respondents, 73% reported being less active than before coming to Canada. This pilot study indicates that Latin-Canadian immigrants are a vulnerable group in need of acculturational support. Further study is warranted.
Effects of Part-Set Cuing on Reminiscence
Authors: Dagnall Neil , Parker Andrew , Munley Gary
Published: September 2010

Part-set cuing has frequently been found to inhibit the recall of previously learned information; see Nickerson's 1984 work. This study investigated whether negative part-set cuing effects extend to the disruption of reminiscence, the production of new items, on a delayed second recall trial. 64 psychology students from local Further Education colleges volunteered to participate. Following random assignment to conditions participants were presented 20 unrelated words at 2-sec. intervals. After a 30-sec. interference task participants free recalled. After a delay of 5 or 30 min., part icipants recalled a second time either with or without cues. Part-set cuing inhibited the production of new words (reminiscences). Time delay, however, had no effect on reminiscence.
A Research Note on the Levinson and Sanford Anti-Semitism Scale
Authors: Jones-Wiley D. Gabrielle , Restori Albert F. , Lee Howard B. , Ho Minh
Published: September 2010

In 1944, Levinson and Sanford created a scale to measure anti-Semitism. Their data showed that the scale had sound psychometric qualities, with a reliability of .96 to .98. Shaw and Wright later stated that the scale was too long for use in some research studies. In the current study, a shorter version (32 items; 38.5% reduction) was created and examined. A high level of internal consistency reliability ( ru = .98) was maintained. A test-retest reliability coefficient of .91 was obtained over four weeks. A minimum residual factor analysis with Tandem Criteria rotation found two factors. This shortened Levinson and Sanford Anti-Semitism Scale could be used in research situations with less administration and scoring time. The shorter version still requires further research in terms of validity and social desirability.
Theoretical Role of Square Wavelet Analysis in Stereopsis and Binocular Rivalry: A Mathematical Model and Computer Simulation
Authors: Brigner Willard L.
Published: September 2010

To determine stereopsis, a mathematical model and computer simulation specify that square wavelet coefficients be independently estimated for the images in each eye. Then, by comparing these independently determined coefficients, the model theorizes that the visual system both identifies those parts of the two images which lie across corresponding points and identifies those parts of the two images which lie across noncorresponding or disparate points. Given the latter occurrence, the retinal disparity is evaluated as being either stereopsis or binocular rivalry. If stereopsis is indicated, the wavelet coefficients provide a reference plane by which the depth of a disparate area is located either nearer than or more distant than the reference plane. In the model also it is proposed that the determination of depth with respect to the reference plane provides a signal for vergence of the eyes. If binocular rivalry is indicated, the model's computer simulation identifies the locus of the background fringes associated with binocular rivalry. In sum, it seems theoretically tenable that stereopsis or binocular rivalry occurs as a consequence of the comparison of one eye's wavelet coefficients with those of the other eye.
Report on Incidence of Right-Hand Preference in 18 Eating Disordered Patients
Authors: Niederhofer Helmut
Published: September 2010

Incidence of right-hand preference in a sample of eating disordered patients, 18 probands and 18 controls, was investigated. They completed questions regarding eight functional hand tasks. Preferred right-hand use, mainly externally directed and complex, was less represented among these eating disordered patients (14%) than in the 18 controls (58%).
Examining the Role of Self-Efficacy and Three Types of Outcome Expectations in Weight Training
Authors: Gao Zan , Hannon James C. , Yi Xiangren
Published: September 2010

This study examined the predictive utility of self-efficacy and three types of outcome expectations (physical outcomes, social outcomes, and self-evaluative outcomes) on students' behavioral intentions and actual behaviors in a beginning weight training class. A total of 137 participants (62 men, 75 women; Mage = 21.4 yr., SD = 2.0) completed questionnaires assessing beliefs and intentions toward weight training. Attendance and workout log entries were used as a measure of actual behaviors. Regression analyses indicated that physical outcome expectations and self-efficacy emerged as significant predictors of students' behavioral intentions and actual behaviors. Findings of this study were interpreted from self-efficacy theory.
The Seasonality of Suicide in Hungary in the 1930S
Authors: Lester David , Moksony Ferenc
Published: September 2010

A Spring peak for 52,533 completed suicides in 1930–1938 was found in Hungary, stronger in rural regions than in urban regions.
Coordination of Upper and Lower Body during Balance Recovery following a Support Translation
Authors: Gorgy Olivier , Vercher Jean-Louis , Coyle Thelma , Buloup Franck
Published: September 2010

Strategies for recovery of posture were studied after lateral mechanical perturbations. 11 participants standing in tandem stance were unexpectedly submitted to lateral support translations with the eyes open or closed at two translation amplitudes. The trajectories of the center of mass of the upper and lower body and muscle activities allowed identification of three strategies, involving either the ankle or the hip only, or both. Hip use increased with vision and with amplitude of perturbation. Short-to-medium latency electromyographic activities were observed in leg and trunk muscles, and long-latency responses in the back leg muscles. Vision increased the activity of both leg and trunk muscles but did not influence the onset of the muscular responses. These data suggest a hierarchy in the selection of these different strategies: the hip is mobilized when the perturbation is more destabilizing but this strategy has a cost and needs specific sensory information supplied by vision.
Graphometric Variables of One's Signature: I. Basic Measures
Authors: Åström J. , Thorell L. H.
Published: September 2010

This study focused on statistical properties and interrelationships of graphometric variables of the signatures of outpatients, 100 men and 119 women, remitted from somatic and psychiatric clinics for possible psychotherapy or for tests of IQ, personality, or brain lesions. The patients' signature on test forms were used. The type of handwriting was classified into Common, Print and Block letters, quantified in breadth, length, and area and grades of slant of minuscules (“lower-case letters”) and majuscules (“upper-case”). Analysis indicated sex and age played roles in style of handwriting and size of letters; writing styles differed on most graphometric variables; and meaningful patterns of interrelationships among graphometric variables were specified by factor analysis.
Influence of Critical Cues and Task Constraints on Overarm Throwing Performance in Elementary Age Children
Authors: Lorson Kevin M. , Goodway Jacqueline D.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of critical cues and task constraints on body-component levels and maximum ball velocity. 81 children ( M age = 97.8 mo.) were systematically assigned to one of four strategies. Participants completed 15 throws during each of 4 practice sessions. Differences between groups were found for body-component developmental levels and ball velocity. The differences indicate prompts to throw the ball hard and fast impact ball velocity and body-components by developmental levels. Critical cues also appear to be a useful tool to improve the step component. Results suggest the use of forceful throwing tasks, cues, and velocity feedback can be useful tools to influence throwing performance.
Peer Teaching at Recess and Improvement of Disc-Throwing Skills by Children in Kindergarten through Grade 3
Authors: Murase Tomohiko , Gallahue David L. , Tosi Silvia H.
Published: September 2010

This study examined the effect of peer teaching at recess on improving disc-throwing skills for kindergartners to children in Grade 3. 167 boys and girls were instructed in basic disc-throwing skills, backhand and forehand throwing techniques, and peer teaching. The practice group ( n = 73) was encouraged to practice with a disc using peer teaching for at least 10 min. during recess for 10 days. The control group ( n = 94) took part in other activities without a disc. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures gave significant interaction of groups and tests for girls in Grade 3 as well as significant main effects between tests in kindergarten boys and Grade 2 boys and girls. This study suggests that peer teaching for disc-throwing skills is useful for girls in Grade 3 and may be more effective for girls than boys.
Swimming Training Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Body Perceptions, Problem Behaviour, and Competence
Authors: Özer Dilara , Nalbant Sibel , Aktop Abdurrahman , Duman Özgür , Keleş Inan , Toraman N. Füsun
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 14-week swimming training program on the competence, problem behaviour, and body awareness in 13 children with cerebral palsy aged 5 to 10 years, compared with 10 subjects in a comparison group. Both of the groups continued a traditional rehabilitation program. The outcome measures were Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) and Body Awareness. The parent forms were evaluated before and after training and also at 6 months followup. Teacher forms and body awareness were evaluated before and after training. The results showed that swimming training produced significant gain on body awareness in the Swimming Group, whereas no significant group differences were evident in competence and problem behaviours on parent or teacher forms of the CBCL.
Shock Sensitization and Fear Potentiation of Auditory Startle Response in Hamsters
Authors: Sasaki Hitoshi , Hanamoto Atsushi
Published: September 2010

It is well known that an auditory startle response can be modulated by several processes. In the present study shock sensitization and fear potentiation were examined in 17 hamsters to assess whether response enhancement is similar for another rodent. Immediately after presentation of electrical foot shocks, the auditory startle response increased significantly. This response was also enhanced after fear conditioning in the Experimental group using a light as a conditioned stimulus (CS) and the foot shock as the unconditioned stimulus (US). The auditory startle response remained unchanged in the Control group after nonpaired presentation of CS and US. Significant correlation between enhancement of the auditory startle response in sensitization and fear conditioning was found for the Experimental group. Shock sensitivity and effect of fear on modulation of the auditory startle response in hamsters are similar to those of other rodents. Further, neural mechanisms underlying enhancement of the auditory startle response seem not to be responsible for the deficit of prepulse inhibition in hamsters.
Turkish Children's Bender-Gestalt Test Performance: A Pilot Study and Preliminary Norms
Authors: Özer Serap
Published: September 2010

The present study was undertaken to provide preliminary data for norms on the Bender-Gestalt Test for 253 children ages 5 yr., 5 mo. to 11 yr., 10 mo. in Turkey. The Koppitz Developmental Scoring System gave mean error scores of 4.2 ( SD = 3.3) for girls and 3.6 ( SD = 3.0) for boys. The mean error scores obtained by all age groups are presented and compared with other cross-cultural data. These scores decreased across age groups, supporting Bender's maturational hypothesis of the test. The present sample performed at a higher developmental level than the Koppitz normative sample for the 5- and 6-year age groups, while means for other age groups were similar to the original U.S. norms. That this pattern is supported in other cross-cultural studies is discussed as well as the importance of developing local norms for visual spatial tests.
Bender Performance and Socioeconomic Status in Mexican Children: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Fernández T. , Tuset A. M.
Published: September 2010

Normative data are presented for Bender test performance, following the system of Koppitz, of 695 Mexican students between 5.0 and 12.1 yr. old ( M = 8.7, SD = 2.01) and belonging to different socioeconomic status. The data are compared with the normative group of U.S. students used by Koppitz and with a representative sample of children from Barcelona, Spain. The results indicate that the total number of Bender errors decreased with increasing age of the children and that significant differences existed with respect to socioeconomic status. The comparison of these data with U.S. and Spanish children shows significant differences in all age groups, with the Mexican children scoring lowest. Differences in quality of schooling and in other aspects of education could explain the variability in Bender test performance.
Permutation Tests: Precision in Estimating Probability Values
Authors: Johnston Janis E. , Berry Kenneth J. , Mielke Paul W.
Published: September 2010

The number of resamplings necessary to accurately estimate a probability value is an open question. One million resamplings is shown to be sufficient to ensure precision to three places under most conditions.
A Taoist Orientation and Mental Health in Kuwaiti and American Students
Authors: Lester David , Abdel-Khalek Ahmed
Published: September 2010

In two studies of American and Kuwait students, scores on a measure of having a Taoist orientation were associated with less psychopathology on measures of anxiety, death anxiety, existential anxiety, optimism-pessimism, suicidality, and obsessive-compulsiveness.
Goal Orientation and Beliefs about the Causes of Success among Greek Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Veligekas Panayiotis , Mylonas Kostas , Zervas Yannis
Published: September 2010

This study employed Nicholls' social-cognitive approach to achievement motivation along with beliefs about the causes of success. The aims of the study were (a) to test the factor structure of the Greek adaptation of the Perception of Success Questionnaire and the Beliefs about the Causes of Sport Success Questionnaire in a sample of Greek track and field athletes, (b) to explore goal orientation and beliefs about the causes of success in the same sample of track and field athletes, and (c) to interpret both factor structures together, according to the respective theoretical frameworks of achievement motivation. The results verified the task and ego goal orientation dimensions for the Perception of Success Questionnaire. The proposed dimensions for the Beliefs about the Causes of Sport Success Questionnaire were also supported. Two dimensions were found when the two sets of factors were conjointly described, named “winning by all means” and “working hard,” which might act as an alternative framework when dealing with achievement issues in sports.
Inhibitory Processes Mediate Saccadic Target Selection
Authors: Nelson Michael D. , Hughes Howard C.
Published: September 2010

Observers ( N = 3, all males, M age = 30.7 yr.) were presented pairs of visual targets and instructed to fixate one as quickly as possible. The resulting saccades were of two types; bistable saccades accurately acquired one of the targets whereas averaging saccades landed at intermediate locations. The hypothesis was that averaging saccades result from a pooling of afferent activity prior to selection of saccadic direction and amplitude (i.e., coactive parallel processing) and that bistable saccades would show evidence of response competition between incompatible motor programs within a parallel architecture. Analysis of the distributions of saccadic reaction times showed that in all cases saccadic responses to double targets were too slow to be consistent with either the channel summation or any form of race model. Results indicate that inhibitory interactions operate during the selection of a target for a saccadic eye movement.
Evaluation of an Employer-Sponsored Pedometer-Based Physical Activity Program
Authors: Behrens Timothy K. , Domina Lorie , Fletcher Gena M.
Published: September 2010

This study evaluated a competition-based employer-sponsored physical activity program using pedometers. City employees ( N∼2,600) formed teams in groups of 10 persons ( N = 640). The groups competed against each other over a 12-wk. period with the goal of attaining 10,000 steps per day, per person. Only teams with complete data were included in the formal evaluation. A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant differences in team steps by week of the program, with post hoc comparisons indicating significant differences from baseline step counts evident during Weeks 6–8 but not at the end of the program. These data confirm that competition-based physical activity programs using pedometers may not be an effective means of increasing the long-term physical activity of employees.
An Index for Quantifying Flocking Behavior
Authors: Quera Vicenç , Herrando Salvador , Beltran Francesc S. , Salas Laura , Miñano Meritxell
Published: September 2010

One of the classic research topics in adaptive behavior is the collective displacement of groups of organisms such as flocks of birds, schools of fish, herds of mammals, and crowds of people. However, most agent-based simulations of group behavior do not provide a quantitative index for determining the point at which the flock emerges. An index was developed of the aggregation of moving individuals in a flock and an example was provided of how it can be used to quantify the degree to which a group of moving individuals actually forms a flock.
An Overview of Coefficient Alpha and a Reliability Matrix for Estimating Adequacy of Internal Consistency Coefficients with Psychological Research Measures
Authors: Ponterotto Joseph G. , Ruckdeschel Daniel E.
Published: September 2010

The present article addresses issues in reliability assessment that are often neglected in psychological research such as acceptable levels of internal consistency for research purposes, factors affecting the magnitude of coefficient alpha (α), and considerations for interpreting α within the research context. A new reliability matrix anchored in classical test theory is introduced to help researchers judge adequacy of internal consistency coefficients with research measures. Guidelines and cautions in applying the matrix are provided.
Use of 3-Dimensional Body Scans for Body Image Research
Authors: Domina Tanya , Heuberger Roschelle , MacGillivray Maureen
Published: September 2010

This preliminary study explored the use of highly realistic 3-dimensional body-scan images as a potential tool, taking advantage of a much more specific and expanded representation of the entire body. Traditionally, body-image research makes use of various contour drawing scales whose 2-dimensional figures increase proportionately and do not match the shape of many women. The study tested whether body-scanned images ( N = 85) could be consistently “matched” to individual figures on a contour drawing scale. Internal consistency and interrater reliability were calculated and high coefficients were observed (α =.97, κ =.80). The potential of utilizing 3-dimensional images either as more realistic somatotypes in contour-rating scales or as a measurement of body-image satisfaction using computer manipulation of a digital image is discussed.
Smiling Emphasizes Perceived Distinctiveness of Faces
Authors: Kawamura Satoru , Komori Masashi
Published: September 2010

In this study, 114 Japanese observers (56 men and 58 women) rated the distinctiveness of 48 neutral faces and 48 smiling faces. Analysis showed smiling faces were rated as significantly more distinctive than neutral ones. Greater perceived distinctiveness provides an explanation for previous results that smiling faces are better remembered than faces with neutral expressions.
Correlations of Selected Psychomotor and Visuomotor Tests with Initial Dynavision Performance
Authors: Vesia Michael , Esposito John , Prime Steve L. , Klavora Peter
Published: September 2010

The current study investigated the relationship between Dynavision scores for 36 men and 52 women ( M age = 20.5 yr.) and performance on six conventional psychomotor tests which presumably tap similar psychomotor abilities and visuomotor skills. Analysis indicated that initial Dynavision performance was significantly correlated with performance on these common psychomotor tests. These data extend findings that propose the effectiveness of the Dynavision apparatus to assess performance on basic visual-motor and visual-cognitive functions. Taken together with these new results, findings suggest that this apparatus might contribute to psychomotor assessment and may be potentially useful for effective selection and identification of individual differences in human behavioral performance.
Some Findings on Prospect and Refuge Theory: II
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: September 2010

This article presents four new studies on the efficacy of predictions based on prospect and refuge theory and summarizes the results over eight studies. New data covered 49 participants and 36 environments. The eight studies included in the summary covered 144 participants and 80 widely diverse environments (Japanese Tatami rooms, Western rooms, porch, meadow, neighborhood commercial, shopping mall, vacation landscapes). Data were available for hypotheses about five factors: prospect, refuge, light, venue, and spatial transition. Efficacy was represented by correlations for the levels of the factors with responses of preference or comfort. Overall, venue was the most efficacious factor ( r = .42, 95% CI = .14, .64). Efficacies for the other factors were very near zero. It is suggested that a considerable amount of additional formal inquiry be conducted before assuming the utility of prospect and refuge theory.
Validation of the OMNI Scale of Perceived Exertion in a Sample of Spanish-Speaking Youth from the USA
Authors: Suminski Richard R. , Robertson Robert J. , Goss Fredric L. , Olvera Norma
Published: September 2010

Whether the translation of verbal descriptors from English to Spanish affects the validity of the Children's OMNI Scale of Perceived Exertion is not known, so the validity of a Spanish version of the OMNI was examined with 32 boys and 36 girls (9 to 12 years old) for whom Spanish was the primary language. Oxygen consumption, ventilation, respiratory rate, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body (RPE-O) were measured during an incremental treadmill test. All response values displayed significant linear increases across test stages. The linear regression analyses indicated RPE-O values were distributed as positive linear functions of oxygen consumption, ventilation, respiratory rate, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, and percent of maximal oxygen consumption. All regression models were statistically significant. The Spanish OMNI Scale is valid for estimating exercise effort during walking and running amongst Hispanic youth whose primary language is Spanish.
Self-Reported Adjustment of Teenagers at Soccer Training Centers: The Soccer Trainee Adjustment Scale
Authors: Laurin Raphaël , Nicolas Michel , Labruère-Chazal Catherine , Lacassagne Marie-Françoise
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to measure adjustment of teenagers at soccer training centers, particularly newcomers. The Soccer Trainee Adjustment Scale was adapted from the Institutional Integration Scale and assesses the trainee's adjustment to operating and social activities. The scale was tested on a sample of 136 trainees from four soccer centers. Exploratory analysis indicated that the 13 items formed five factors: peer adjustment, boarding supervisor adjustment, soccer adjustment, scholastic adjustment, and boarding adjustment. These factors had internal consistency reliability ranging from .76 to .94.
Parity of Match Play: An LPGA Replication
Authors: Clark Russell D.
Published: September 2010

This study investigated whether the slight advantage of higher seeded players to win in match play on the men's Professional Golfers' Association Tour generalizes to the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. Analysis showed no significant advantage for the higher seeded player in match play. The highly restricted range of skill of tour players makes it mainly a matter of chance who will win any match-play event or who will have the better or worse scores on any given day.
Alteration of Adults' Subjective Feeling of Familiarity toward Infants' Sounds
Authors: Shimada Y. , Itakura S.
Published: September 2010

Many adults may have lower subjective feelings of familiarity toward infants' vocalizations since infants' sounds are different from those of adults. However, mothers frequently exposed to infants' vocalizations may be more familiar and less averse. To test this hypothesis, 21 mothers ( M age = 31.1 yr., SD = 4.3) of infants ( M age = 8.2 mo., SD = 3.5), 18 mothers ( M age = 34.4 yr., SD = 4.8) of children between two and five years of age ( M age = 2.8 yr., SD = 1.0), and 17 women ( M age = 29.2 yr., SD = 11.1) with no children were exposed to 20 types of sounds. Of these sounds, 14 were produced by infants. Although the mothers of infants did not recognize sounds as those of an infant's vocalization, they showed higher subjective feelings of familiarity toward the timbres of the vowel-like stimuli than did the other groups. By contrast, the subjective feelings of familiarity for nonspeech sounds did not differ among groups. Maternal experiences may change women's recognition of perceived sounds.
Torso Movement Constraint in Stability of Bimanual Coordination
Authors: Ringenbach Shannon D. (Robertson) , Kao James C.
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the relation between postural movement and upper-limb coordination stability. Adults produced bimanual circles using in-phase and anti-phase coordination patterns in time to an increasing rate metronome (i.e., movement-time instruction) in the horizontal (e.g., tabletop) and vertical (e.g., “wall” perpendicular to body) planes. All participants produced the instructed in- and anti-phase patterns. Coordination stability (i.e., SD of relative phase) was larger for anti-phase than in-phase patterns in both planes; however, anti-phase coordination stability was lower in the vertical plane than in the horizontal plane. Torso movement was larger during anti-phase coordination patterns in the horizontal plane, whereas it was larger during in-phase coordination patterns in the vertical plane. These results indicate that different orientations of the same task can produce different results for stability of coordination. This information may be important for performing and learning complex motor-coordination movements (e.g., playing musical instruments).
Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: Psychological Features and Psychopathological Symptoms in a Sample Pain-Free at Evaluation
Authors: Ercolani Mauro , Galvani Matteo , Franchini Cristina , Baracchini Federica , Chattat Rabih
Published: September 2010

30 subjects with BJHS (Hypermobile) ( M age = 32.3 yr., SD = 10.4) and two control groups, 25 healthy subjects (Healthy) ( M age = 33.9 yr., SD = 93) and 30 fibromyalgic patients (Fibromyalgic) ( M age = 32.2 yr., SD = 9.4), were given the Symptom Checklist-90-R, the Illness Behavior Questionnaire, the Female Functional Symptoms Frequency (FFF) and the Male Functional Symptoms Frequency (MFF), derived from the DSM-III–R, evaluating functional somatic disturbances and their intensity, and the Symptom Questionnaire. The mean scores for the Hypermobile group showed significant psychological distress and increased frequency and intensity of somatic symptoms. Scores on Anxiety and Somatic Symptoms, General Hypochondriasis, Disease Conviction, Affective Disturbance, Denial, and Irritability were significantly higher in the Hypermobile than in the Healthy group. Elevated scores were found for the Fibromyalgic group on the Illness Behavior Questionnaire subscales for Psychological vs Somatic Focus, Disease Affirmation, and Discriminating Factors when compared with the Hypermobile group. Considerable emotional symptoms were detected which should not be underestimated by physicians when establishing an integrated biopsychosocial therapy.
Helping a Child with Multiple Disabilities Endure a Demanding Physical Posture through Self-Managed Access to Preferred Stimuli
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Sigafoos Jeff , O'Reilly Mark F. , La Martire Maria L. , Singh Nirbhay N. , Oliva Doretta
Published: September 2010

This study assessed whether a child with multiple disabilities would endure a difficult (standing) position more easily if allowed to access preferred stimuli while in that position. The study included an ABAB sequence with 2- and 3-mo. postintervention checks. Data showed that self-managed access to preferred stimuli during the B phases of the study and the postintervention checks reduced the child's indices of unhappiness, frowning and crying, while increasing his object contact and smiles as indices of happiness.
Evaluation of a Mental Skills Program for Serving for an Intercollegiate Volleyball Team
Authors: Shoenfelt Elizabeth L. , Griffith Amber Usry
Published: September 2010

A preseason mental skills program for serving was implemented for the 11 members of an intercollegiate volleyball team ( M age = 20.0 yr.; SD = 1.1; years of intercollegiate volleyball experience M = 2.6; SD = 0.9). Key mental skills taught were relaxation, imagery, attentional focus, goal setting, behavioral modeling, and performance routine. A videotaped behavioral model articulated and demonstrated technical performance keys to effective serving. Players utilized a three-phase service routine to increase automaticity of performance and to incorporate key mental skills. End-of-season reported use of imagery was significantly correlated with Good Serve Percentage, as was reported use of a service routine. The mean Good Serve Percentage for the season was 49% ( SD = 7); the team goal was 50%. Serve-specific self-efficacy significantly increased from the pretraining program to the end of the season. Results indicated that implementing the mental skills training program was associated with enhanced service performance.
Comparison of the Medical College of Georgia Complex Figures and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Tests in a Normal Sample of Japanese University Students
Authors: Yamashita Hikari , Yasugi Mina
Published: September 2010

Comparability of copy and recall performance on the four figures of the Medical College of Georgia Complex Figures and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure were examined using an incidental learning paradigm with 60 men and 60 women, healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 24 years ( M = 21.5 yr., SD = 1.5) at a Japanese university. A between-subjects design was used in which each group of participants ( n = 24) responded to five figures. The interrater reliability of each Georgia figure was excellent. While the five figures yielded equivalent copy scores, the Rey-Osterrieth figure had significantly lower scores than the Georgia figures at recall after 3 min. There were no significant differences between the four Georgia figures. These results are consistent with the findings of the original studies in the USA.
Achievement in Physical Education and Self-Concept of Greek Students in Grades 5 and 6
Authors: Kanioglou Aggelos
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the relationship between rated achievement in physical education (low, medium, high) and specific domains of self-concept on the Self-Perception Profile for Children of 303 students in Grades 5 and 6 ( M age =10.9 yr., SD = 0.7). Analysis of variance yielded statistically significant differences between achievement groups on all domains of self-concept except Behavioral Conduct. Students with lower rated achievement in physical education had lower scores on self-concept domains.
Voluntary Manual Exploration and Vision in Rod Bisection
Authors: Chou Ying-Hui , Coster Wendy J. , Latham Catherine A. Trombly , Li Pei-Lin , Chung Ming-Jung , Shie Jian-Hung
Published: September 2010

Two experiments were carried out to investigate contributions of voluntary manual exploration and vision to rod-bisection performance when the rod was placed in different spatial positions. Analysis showed both voluntary manual exploration and vision contributed to the accuracy of rod-bisection performance in healthy adults (Exp. 1: 12 men, 13 women; Exp. 2: 10 men, 11 women). Advantages of voluntary manual exploration were related to rod position and initial search direction. Results are discussed with regard to ecological approach to action and perception, two cortical systems (ventral and dorsal streams) for perception and control of actions, and the hemispheric activation hypothesis.
Development and Factor Analysis of the Coaching and Athletic Training Questionnaire
Authors: Drummond Jan L. , Hostetter Karen S. , Ploeger Robin L.
Published: September 2010

To explore athletes' perceptions related to coaching and athletic training care, the Coaching and Athletic Training Questionnaire was developed. A 10-item version was administered to 708 varsity athletes from three Division I universities in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. 341 women and 344 men completed questionnaires. Data from half of the sample of 685 were used for an exploratory factor analysis using principal components analysis with oblique rotation and the second half for a confirmatory factor analysis. Analyses yielded three interpretable factors, accounting for 68% of the variance, which were labeled Comfort with Athletic Trainer or Coach, Sex Influence on Quality of Care, and Athletic Trainer Preference. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that factor scores of women and men differed significantly, and at followup women and men differed significantly on Comfort with Athletic Trainer or Coach, but the small effect size minimizes its meaningfulness. No significant difference was noted for the other two factors. It appears coaches should be sensitive and available in case of injury or other need. Athletes' perceived quality of care by athletic trainers does not appear related to sex of athlete or trainer.