bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling Behavioral Anchors
Authors: Landy Frank J. , Barnes Janet L.
Published: March 2007

Although behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) have both intuitive and empirical appeal, they have not always yielded superior results in contrast with graphic rating scales. The present study examined the issue of how behavioral descrip tions are anchored. Subjects scaled anchors describ ing teaching performance in a college classroom using either a graphic rating procedure or a pair- comparison procedure. The two different methods resulted in scale anchors with different properties, particularly with respect to item dispersions. It was proposed that the choice of an anchoring procedure depends on the nature of the actual rating process.
The Reliability of Dichotomous Judgments: Unequal Numbers of Judges per Subject
Authors: Fleiss Joseph L. , Cuzick Jack
Published: March 2007

Consider a reliability study in which different subjects are judged on a dichotomous trait by dif ferent sets of judges, possibly unequal in number. A kappa-like measure of reliability is proposed, its correspondence to an intraclass correlation co efficient is pointed out, and a test for its statistical significance is presented. A numerical example is given.
Ear Differences and Implied Cerebral Lateralization on Some Intellective Auditory Factors
Authors: Stankov Lazar
Published: March 2007

A battery of auditory tests was given under the conditions of monaural and binaural presentation. The results indicated that both primary and second-order factors were similar to those found earlier with the same tests. The hierarchical solu tion also indicated that most of the differences be tween the conditions of presentation occurred at the lowest order of factoring. Differences between the means showed the same trends as those reported in the literature on hemispheric specialization. Ob tained first-order factors were interpreted as Tonal Memory, Speech Perception Under Distraction/Dis tortion, and Maintaining and Judging Rhythm, all representing a measure of General Auditory Func tion. In addition, a broad first-order factor of Fluid Intelligence was identified along with Temporal Tracking, representing an interesting new com ponent. Although General Auditory Function is a broad perceptual factor akin to General Visualiza tion, it differs from the latter in an important way. It is suggested that competition between the audi tory messages may be typical of General Auditory Function but that the hemispheric localization is not.
The Effect of Misinformation, Partial Information, and Guessing on Expected Multiple-Choice Test Item Scores
Authors: Frary Robert B.
Published: March 2007

Six response/scoring methods for multiple-choice tests are analyzed with respect to expected item scores under various levels of information and mis information. It is shown that misinformation always and necessarily results in expected item scores lower than those associated with complete igno rance. Moreover, it is shown that some re sponse/scoring methods penalize all conditions of misinformation equally, and others have varying penalties according to the number of wrong choices the misinformed examinee has categorized with the correct choice. One method exacts the greatest pen alty when a specific wrong choice is believed cor rect ; two other methods provide the maximum pen alty when the examinee is confident only that the correct choice is incorrect. Partial information is shown to yield substantially different expected item scores from one method to another. Guessing is an alyzed under the assumption that examinees guess whenever it is advantageous to do so under the scoring method used and that these conditions would be made clear to the examinee. Additional guessing is shown to have no effect on expected item scores in some cases, though in others it is shown to lower the expected item score. These out comes are discussed with respect to validity and reliability of resulting total scores and also with re spect to test content and examinee characteristics.
Agreement Coefficients as Indices of Dependability for Domain-Referenced Tests
Authors: Kane Michael T. , Brennan Robert L.
Published: March 2007

A large number of seemingly diverse coefficients have been proposed as indices of dependability, or reliability, for domain-referenced and/or mastery tests. In this paper it is shown that most of these indices are special cases of two generalized indices of agreement—one that is corrected for chance and one that is not. The special cases of these two in dices are determined by assumptions about the na ture of the agreement function or, equivalently, the nature of the loss function for the testing proce dure. For example, indices discussed by Huynh (1976), Subkoviak (1976), and Swaminathan,

Hambleton, and Algina (1974) employ a threshold agreement, or loss, function; whereas, indices dis cussed by Brennan and Kane (1977a, 1977b) and Livingston (1972a) employ a squared-error loss function. Since all of these indices are discussed within a single general framework, the differences among them in their assumptions, properties, and uses can be exhibited clearly. For purposes of com parison, norm-referenced generalizability coeffi cients are also developed and discussed within this general framework.
A Paper-and-Pencil Inventory for the Assessment of Piaget's Tasks
Authors: Patterson Henry O. , Milakofsky Louis
Published: March 2007

Although science educators conversant with Piaget's work have recognized the importance of adapting instruction and curricula to the cognitive level of their students, such attempts have been dif ficult because of a lack of appropriate cognitive as sessment instruments. To meet such a need, a com prehensive, objective paper-and-pencil inventory was investigated using 542 subjects, 8 years through adulthood, in order to determine its usefulness for normal and retarded students. The results showed that the inventory was acceptably reliable and valid and had advantages over other Piaget tests. With some suggested improvements, it was concluded that the instrument had potential as an educational and theoretical research tool.
Extending the Measurement of Graduate Admission Abilities Beyond the Verbal and Quantitative Domains
Authors: Powers Donald E. , Swinton Spencer S.
Published: March 2007

Traditionally, major national admissions tests, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test, have focused primarily on the mea surement of broadly applicable verbal and quanti tative abilities. The GRE Board recently sponsored an investigation of the possibility of extending the measurement of abilities beyond the verbal and quantitative domains in order to facilitate a broadened definition of talent. That effort resulted in a restructured GRE Aptitude Test, which in cludes a measure of analytical ability for which a separate score is reported. The present study pro vides a factor analytic description of the new re structured test. Results suggest that the restruc tured test continues to tap the verbal and quantita tive skills measured by the original GRE Aptitude Test but that it also contains a distinct, identifiable analytical dimension that is highly correlated with the dimensions underlying performance on the ver bal and quantitative sections of the test.
An Investigation of Methods for Reducing Sampling Error in Certain IRT Procedures
Authors: Wingersky Marilyn S. , Lord Frederic M.
Published: March 2007

The sampling errors of maximum likelihood esti mates of item response theory parameters are studied in the case when both people and item parameters are estimated simultaneously. A check on the validity of the standard error formulas is carried out. The effect of varying sample size, test length, and the shape of the ability distribution is investigated. Finally, the ef fect of anchor-test length on the standard error of item parameters is studied numerically for the situation, common in equating studies, when two groups of ex aminees each take a different test form together with the same anchor test. The results encourage the use of rectangular or bimodal ability distributions, and also the use of very short anchor tests.
Effect of Scale Adjustment on the Comparison of Item and Ability Parameters
Authors: Liou Michelle
Published: March 2007

The standardized mean-squared difference (SMSD) has been used for summarizing the bias of parameter estimates in the three-parameter logistic (3PL) model. Due to the indeterminacy problem of the 3PL model, researchers must select a common scale for comparing the theoretical and estimated parameters. The use of different scales can yield noncomparable SMSD values, which in turn can affect the comparison of bias between different parameters. This research used three methods for selecting the common scale. Through a simulation, the three scaling methods were used to numerically demonstrate their effect on SMSD values. Index terms:
The Use of Prior Distributions in Marginalized Bayesian Item Parameter Estimation: A Didactic
Authors: Harwell Michael R. , Baker Frank B.
Published: March 2007

The marginal maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE) procedure (Bock & Lieberman, 1970; Bock & Aitkin, 1981) has led to advances in the estima tion of item parameters in item response theory. Mislevy (1986) extended this approach by employ ing the hierarchical Bayesian estimation model of Lindley and Smith (1972). Mislevy's procedure posits prior probability distributions for both abili ty and item parameters, and is implemented in the PC-BILOG computer program. This paper extends the work of Harwell, Baker, and Zwarts (1988), who provided the mathematical and implemen tation details of MMLE in an earlier didactic paper, by encompassing Mislevy's marginalized Bayesian estimation of item parameters. The purpose was to communicate the essential conceptual and math ematical details of Mislevy's procedure to prac titioners and to users of PC-BILOG, thus making it more accessible.
Detecting Faking on a Personality Instrument Using Appropriateness Measurement
Authors: Zickar Michael J. , Drasgow Fritz
Published: March 2007

Research has demonstrated that people can and often do consciously manipulate scores on personality tests. Test constructors have responded by using social desir ability and lying scales in order to identify dishonest re spondents. Unfortunately, these approaches have had limited success. This study evaluated the use of appropri ateness measurement for identifying dishonest respon dents. A dataset was analyzed in which respondents were instructed either to answer honestly or to fake good. The item response theory approach classified a higher number of faking respondents at low rates of misclassification of honest respondents (false positives) than did a social de sirability scale. At higher false positive rates, the social desirability approach did slightly better. Implications for operational testing and suggestions for further research are provided.
Graphical Representation of Multidimensional Item Response Theory Analyses
Authors: Ackerman Terry
Published: March 2007

This paper illustrates how graphical analyses can en hance the interpretation and understanding of multidi mensional item response theory (IRT) analyses. Many unidimensional IRT concepts, such as item response functions and information functions, can be extended to multiple dimensions; however, as dimensionality in creases, new problems and issues arise, most notably how to represent these features within a multidimen sional framework. Examples are provided of several dif ferent graphical representations, including item response surfaces, information vectors, and centroid plots of con ditional two-dimensional trait distributions. All graphs are intended to supplement quantitative and substantive analyses and thereby assist the test practitioner in deter mining more precisely such information as the construct validity of a test, the degree of measurement precision, and the consistency of interpretation of the number- correct score scale.
Empirical Sampling Distributions of Equating Coefficients for Graded and Nominal Response Instruments
Authors: Baker Frank B.
Published: March 2007

The sampling distributions of equating coefficients produced by the characteristic curve method for tests using graded and nominal response scoring were examined. Simulated data were generated under these two models in both horizontal and vertical equating situations for three different types of target tests. The obtained sampling distributions of the equating coefficients were approximately bell-shaped, had small variances, and no outliers or other abnormalities. However, the distributions of the minimum values of the quadratic loss function for the graded response model had outliers that were due to misordered boundary curve location parameter estimates. The means of the sampling distributions of the equating coefficients corresponded to values appropriate for the specific situations used.
Parallel Test Construction Using Classical Item Parameters
Authors: Sanders Piet F. , Verschoor Alfred J.
Published: March 2007

A number of mathematical programming models for test construction have been presented in recent years. For example, Adema & van der Linden (1989) developed models for maximizing test reliability, and van der Linden & Boekkooi-Timmninga (1988) developed models for the construction of parallel tests. A minimization and a maximization model for parallel test construction under constraints are pre-sented here. The purpose of the minimization model is to construct weakly and strongly parallel testsa of minimum length. The purpose of the maximization model is to construct weakly and strongly parallel tests with maximum test reliability.
IRT Test Assembly Using Network-Flow Programming
Authors: Armstrong Ronald D. , Jones Douglas H. , Kunce Charles S.
Published: March 2007

The use of mathematical programming techniques to generate parallel test forms with passages and item characteristics based on item response theory was investigated, using the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. The problem of creating one test form is modeled as a network-flow problem with additional constraints. This formulation is then used in a heuristic assembly of several parallel forms. The network-flow problem is solved with a special-purpose combinatorial polynomial algo-rithm. The non-network constraints are handled using Lagrangian relaxation and heuristic search techniques. From an item bank with almost 1,100 items, four parallel test forms with 157 items each were generated in 3 minutes. The results of the math-ematical programming approach were compared with human-generated forms. It was concluded that the mathematical programming approach can produce test forms of the same quality as those produced entirely by human effort.
The Effect of Monetary and Fiscal Policies on Regional Business Cycles
Authors: Garrison Charles B. , Chang Hui S.
Published: March 2007

A Keynesian reduced-form quarterly model of regional income determination is constructed and tested for the eight regions of the United States. The results support the view that national economic policy exerts a significant direct influence on a region's export earnings. The findings are in conflict with some monetarist models, in that fiscal policy, as well as monetary policy, strongly influences regional basic economic activity. Also, the findings suggest the desirability of incorporating national policy variables into regional econometric models.
The Interregional Linkages between National and Regional Input-Output Models
Authors: Batten David F.
Published: March 2007

Elements of information theory are applied to the problem of estimating interregional flow coefficients in a national system of regions. The inclusion of constraints relating to the capacity of the transportation system justifies the adoption of Jaynes' principle of maximum uncertainty, in place of iterative proportional fitting procedures developed for multidimensional contingency table analysis. The inclusion of a priori information is also discussed.
The Interregional Incidence of Energy-Production Taxes
Authors: Olson Dennis O.
Published: March 2007

A general equilibrium model of international trade with pure intermediate goods is adapted to analyze the interregional incidence of a severance tax. The effects of a small increase in a production tax on an intermediate good are not a priori predictable. In fact, outputs of final goods, factor rewards, and the commodity price ratio can move in either direction. An empirical illustration of the model indicates that energy-producing states may benefit from severance tax increases, but the nation suffers a net loss due to the tax-induced curtailment of energy production.
Theories of Agricultural Rent within the Surplus Approach
Authors: Barnes Trevor
Published: March 2007

The central argument of the paper is that a rent theory be considered in light of the value theory on which it rests. Ricardo's pure labor theory of value cannot embrace the productive use of inter-mediate goods, while inconsistencies in Marx's value theory keep him from developing a workable theory of agricultural rent. Only Sraffa's value theory is both general and consistent enough to provide for a general and consistent rent theory.
Regional Trade Estimation: A Hybrid Approach
Authors: West Guy R.
Published: March 2007

This article presents an overview of the hybrid approach to the construction of regional input-output tables. As an example, the Australian GRIT system is described in some detail. Some of the shortcomings and weaknesses of the current models are discussed, together with suggestions for future research.
International Trade, Productivity, and U.S. Regional Job Growth: A Shift-Share Interpretation
Authors: Markusen Ann R. , Noponen Helzi , Driessen Karl
Published: March 2007

To track the sensitivity of regional growth to international flows, shift-share components can be decomposed into import, export, and domestic market segments and a productivity component. By merging data on regional employment, national employment and output, and international trade, dynamic shift-share analysis is used to compare the experience of U.S. regions for the period from 1978 to 1986. Some regions, like New England and the Pacific, have relatively positive industrial mixes for both export and domestic market growth, while others, particularly the East North Central region, have negative ones. Dynamizing the model with annual data does not necessarily minimize the gap between national and regional growth rates, and results, especially for the competitive shift component, remain sensitive to subperiod designation. Regions have different stakes in national trade policy, and some would do better to target domestic rather than overseas markets.
Exports, Impacts, and Locations of Services Producers
Authors: Porterfield Shirley L. , Pulver Glen C.
Published: March 2007

Policymakers concerned with regional economic development would do well to consider the growing importance of the services-producing sector of the economy. Although, services producers historically have not been targets for basic development, this paper provides evidence that some services producers could contribute as much to the local economy as the manufacturing sector. A survey of selected manufacturers and services producers in the Upper Midwest yielded four major conclusions. Firms in selected services-producing industries make a large proportion of their sales to extraregional customers; although the services-producing firms studied have lower annual sales than the selected manufacturers, their relative impact on regional economic growth is potentially larger than that of many manufacturing firms because of strong backward linkages to the local economy; services-producing firms which are active exporters tend to be larger and to be regional offices or headquarters; and many selected services producers are able to export from rural locations.
Social and Spatial Context in Rural Development Strategies
Authors: Begg Robert B.
Published: March 2007

The urban functions approach and the location-allocation technique may be viewed as similar strategies for locating urban functions in developing rural areas. Both strategies accept and reinforce the patterns of demand and distribution spatially manifest in the existing central place structures of developing rural areas. Because of this there are definable socio-spatial conditions under which either technique is disadvantaged. This article attempts to identify theoretically particular cultural contexts in which advocates of either strategy should be wary.
Neither Socialism nor Capitalism: The Emergence of a New Economic System in the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Trumbull William N.
Published: March 2007

Using a multidimensional classification of economic systems, this article explores the possibility that the former Soviet Union is undergoing a transition from centrally planned socialism to a new system unlike any that currently exists. The legacy of the former system impedes the transition to capitalism, which suggests that the transition will be a very long one or will result in an entirely new system. Policy recommendations will be naive or irrelevant if they assume that banking, labor, housing, and other markets will function like known capitalist markets.
Family Migration and Employment: The Importance of Migration History and Gender
Authors: Bailey Adrian J. , Cooke Thomas J.
Published: March 2007

This article uses event history data to specify a model of employment returns to initial migration, onward migration, and return migration among newly married persons in the US. Husbands are more likely to be full-time employed than wives, and being a parent reduces the employment odds among married women. Employment returns to repeated migration differ by gender, with more husbands full-time employed after onward migration and more wives full-time employed after return migration events. We interpret these empirical findings in the context of family migration theory, segmented labor market theory, and gender-based responsibilities.
Automatic Vehicle Identification: A Test of Theories of Technology
Authors: Martin Brian , Scott Pam
Published: March 2007

Two contrasting theories-actor-network theory and nondecision making-are separately applied to the same case study, namely, technologies for automatically identifying road vehicles. By this process, the strengths and weaknesses of each approach are highlighted: The actor-network approach is useful for understanding local processes but lacks tools for easily illuminating patterns across countries; by contrast, the concept of nondecision making is useful for explaining the general lack of implementation of technology for automatic vehicle identification but not for explaining variations between developments in different countries. This study highlights the importance of attempting to compare theories by using the same case study.
Beyond Basic Science: Research University Presidents' Narratives of Science Policy
Authors: Slaughter Sheila
Published: March 2007

Between 1980 and 1985 representatives of academic science changed their policy positions, moving from veneration of basic or fundamental research to promotion of entrepreneurial science. This change is examined through research university presidents' testimony before the U.S. Congress. The presidents' move from "fruits of research" narratives that emphasize the benefits of basic science to narratives that celebrate technology based on fundamental research in "orders of magnitude more production from the efforts of orders of magnitude less workers. " This change reflects presidents' endorsement of conservative policy initiatives that depend on privatization, deregulation, and commercialization of science. These policies will probably result in major realignments within research universities, with institutional managers, scientists, and graduate students in the physical sciences involved in entrepreneurial activity receiving privileges and rewards that other faculty and students do not.
Centering: Proposals for an Interdisciplinary Research Center
Authors: Myers Greg
Published: March 2007

Governmental organizations funding science m several nations are creating large research centers that draw on several disciplines and that focus research on an area of immediate use to industrial concerns. I analyze eight proposals for a U.K. center devoted to human communication. I argue that the boundaries that such a center seeks to cross— between areas of knowledge, between disciplines, between academic and nonacademic research—are constructed in the proposals for strategic purposes m the immediate situations. The study supports other recent work on the crucial role of texts as interme diaries in the science policy processes, and on the need to recognize the unexpected contingencies and unintended consequences of textual circulation.
Reconstructing Artifacts, Reconstructing Work: From Textual Edition to On-Line Databank
Authors: Ruhleder Karen
Published: March 2007

New media can change the way that artifacts are constructed and used. Changes in these artifacts, in turn, will be reflected in work practices and processes. This article draws on an empirical investigation of the impact of computer-based technologies on classical scholarship to discuss some of the ramifications that a switch in medium may have for work. The article defines both traditional and computer-based tools as "packages" that consist of artifacts, skill sets, data, beliefs about the work process, and organizational infrastructures, and applies the package metaphor to understand the multiple levels of changes taking place within classics as the use of textual databanks (and other forms of computing) becomes more prevalent.
Multiple Meanings of Alar after the Scare: Implications for Closure
Authors: Rodgers Kerry E.
Published: March 2007

The group politics approach to controversy analysis describes the closure of public controversies involving scientific or technological issues as an interest group's triumph over competing groups in the political arena. In contrast, the social construction of technology (SCOT) model of closure maintains that closure occurs through the negotiation of a consensus regarding the form of an object and the corresponding elimination of its interpretative flexibility. Drawing upon the "Alar scare" of 1989, this article extends the SCOT model beyond the life of an object. This article argues that together, the group politics and SCOT views of closure permit interest groups to continue to attach divergent meanings to a controversial object even after it has been eliminated The analysis suggests that such an object may provide interest groups with a powerful symbol and an invaluable political resource.
Evaluation of a Humanities Seminar for Health Care Students
Authors: Rozier Carolyn K.
Published: March 2007

The need for problem solving and a synthesis of knowledge are constant concerns in the health care education field. In an effort to provide for the synthesis of humanities into professional health care training, a study was conducted at Texas Woman's University in the spring of 1978. The students involved responded to ques tionnaires at the midpoint of the program and again at the end. Answers from the questionnaires revealed that, in general, the students felt that the one-hour semmar each week required more of their time than the course warranted. Their opinions regarding the course changedfrom positive to less positive toward the end of the semester. It was concluded that a newformat must be designed for the humanities course for it to become effective.
Medical School Impact On Student Career Choice
Authors: Roos Noralou P. , Roos Leslie L.
Published: March 2007

Covariance and regression techniques are used to determine whether student career preferences and choices are influenced by medical school characteristics. The results indicate that academic factors (full-time teaching and research components) have more influence on career preference and choice than clinical factors (part-time fa culty and residency programs) but also that the internship year and first few years of practice are important determinants of ultimate career choice. This raises several important questions about what the objec tives of a medical school should be—to direct graduates into careers where the highest need exists, to develop areas of strength so as to improve the quality of training, or to provide as much exposure as possible to a number of different careers.
Evaluating Continuing Education
Authors: Woog Pierre , Bernstein Hyman Ruth
Published: March 2007

This article presents the evaluation meth odology used in an NIMHfunded continuing education project for mental health professionals. The 96 participants who completed the course in three distinct cy cles came both as work teams from agen cies and as individuals and had protential impact on 1700 staff and 6913 clients. Forty-eight quantifiable and two qualitative dependent measures were used to assess participants' perceptions of the course, knowledge and attitudes, clinical behaviors as reflected in work environment and ward atmosphere, and impact on client status. A controlled experimental design with pre- test, posttest, andfollow-up data collection points was planned. Problems encountered and evaluation findings suggest the need for different types of evaluation strategies.
Health Care Providers' Attitudes toward Nutrition
Authors: D Cynthia N. , Maller Owen , Cardello Armand V.
Published: March 2007

A survey questionnatre, assessing general attitudes toward the importance of nutrition m the prevention of disease and the maintenance of good health, was administered to physicians, nurses, dentists, and technicians at five U. S. Army medical centers. The various groups of health care specialists differed significantly on many items concerning the importance of good nutrition and eating habits for maintenance of good health andfor recovery from illness, as well as on items concerning the importance of nutrition knowledge and training in their health care professions. More agreement was found among the groups on items concerned with the relationship between disease states and dietary factors and the effectiveness of health education programs in the prevention of vari ous diseases. Self-reports of personal health habits did not correlate with scores on survey items concerned with the importance of good nutrition, suggesting that personal attitudes toward nutrition may be unrelated to other health practices.
A Simple Technique for Collecting, Analyzing, and Interpreting Evaluative Data
Authors: Slotnick Henry B.
Published: March 2007

Best Liked/Least Liked (BLILL) is a straightforward technique for collecting information used in evaluation. The technique is composed of stages (data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation) that are characterized by the ease with which they are accomplished. Further, the technique admits of flexibility' in both range of applicability (some achievement testing and the measuring of effect) and scope of use (it can be narrowly focused or used to collect information on unintended outcomes). The technique is described here and examples are presented of its use both narrowly and broadly focused, and in service of both achievement testing and affective measurement.
Planning for Program Effectiveness in Quality Assurance
Authors: Donaldson Molla S. , Keith Karla J.
Published: March 2007

Quality assurance programs are now a fact of life in health care institutions, yet the effectiveness of these programs in improving care is unproven. Reports of quality assurance activities rarely discuss "remedy implementation" or the outcome of such attempts. Effectiveness does not flow naturally from sound methodology or documentation but is the most challenging part of the program. This article examines reasons for this difficulty, and the authors recommend strategies for improving problem resolution and increasing the influence of the program in the organization. They urge attention to program design from the earliest stages of program implementation and emphasize active participation by clinicians, patients, administration, and staff This broad representation promotes examination of a wide range of patient care issues as well as medical audits, allows the program to enlist support for change, and enables the program to anticipate and make timely contributions to the decisions of policymaking groups.
Quality Assessment from an Economic Perspective
Authors: Hemenway David
Published: March 2007

Since people do not rank goods identically, there is no theoretically correct way for public agencies to assess the quality of goods or services. Yet, from a social perspective, it is often important to evaluate quality. The traditional categorization of quality assessment approaches in health care is by structure, process and outcome variables. A somewhat different taxonomy is presented here: (a) market variables; (b) questionnaire results; (c) output measures; and (d) input measures. The market approach is rare in the health carefield, but it is the approach most consonant with the economic way of thinking. All four approaches are examinedfrom an economic perspective. Studies of nursing home care are classified by this new taxonomy. While all approaches to quality assessment have limitations, and are not necessarily consistent within or among themselves, they can provide useful insights concerning levels of quality.
A "Screening" Procedure for Monitoring Student Grading Procedures
Authors: Albanese Mark , Pfohl Bruce
Published: March 2007

Monitoring the quality of complicated and dynamic curriculums like those found in most health science schools is a timeconsuming and arduous task. It would be helpful to have a mechanism to monitor various aspects of the curriculum. This article describes a procedure derivedfrom classical test theory for analyzing course grades and reports the results of its use to assess third year clerkships at a large Midwestern medical school. Comparisons of the results from these three classes of students with those obtained by a thorough review of the third-year courses by the medical curriculum committee, found the experimentalprocedure to be sensitive to a large range of characteristics and changes in the courses. It was concluded that, with proper care exercised, the procedure showedpromise as asupplement to student course evaluations as a means of identifying courses in need of assistance and/or evaluating the effects of curriculum change.
Physicians' Knowledge and Self-Reported Compliance Promotion as Predictors of Performance with Simulated Lung Disease Patients
Authors: Hall Judith A. , Roter Debra L.
Published: March 2007

Scores on a test of knowledge of chronic lung disease and self-reports of actions to enhance compliance in chronic-disease patients were obtained from 42 primary-care physicians. Tvo years latereach physician was audiotaped during encounters with two simulated lung disease patients. Transcripts were used to scorephysician performance and to analyze communication. Audiotapes of the encounters were alsoplayed to role-playing subjects (N = 252) to ascertain likely patient outcomes. More knowledgeable physicians displayed more clinical expertise, gave more patient education, engaged in less social-emotional talk and induced more satisfaction and recall by role-playing subjects. Physicians who said they worked harder to achieve compliance were shown to be more likely to ask more appropriate open-ended questions, ask more questions, offer less patient education, give more directions and instructions, and make more utterances.
Measuring Patient Intensity
Authors: Prescott Patricia A. , Soeken Karen L. , Ryan Judith W.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the interrater reliability for each of 12 dimensions of a measure of Patient Intensity for Nursing (PIN!). Three hospitals in two states participated in this project with 121 Registered Nurses prepared in the use of the PINI. The interrater reliability was determined by day shift nurses rating theirpatients late in the shift and evening shift nurses rating the same patients early in their shift. Paired ratings of 657 patients were included in this analysis, and the reliability was substantial (x = > .60) for 10 of the 12 dimensions across hospitals. These findings provided the foundation for revision of the instrument, which is currently undergoing additional testing.
Applications of Multidimensional Scaling to Research in the Health Professions
Authors: Raymond Mark R.
Published: March 2007

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) is a procedure for transforming similarity data such as correlations into a graph or map. Although MDS is similar to factor analysis in function and purpose, it is more flexible and often produces results that are easier to interpret. This article discusses MDS and its potential use for research and evaluation in the health-related professions. The first half of the article presents an overview of MDS, the types of data that can be used as input, and issues related to interpretation of results. The second half describes various applications of MDS, including the development of a working taxonomy of nursing specialty practice, the identification of the dimensions underlying physician performance, and the classification of different types of psychotherapies examined in the metaanalysisperformedby Smith and Glass (1977). The article concludes with a brief discussion on how MDS relates to factor analysis, discriminant analysis, and cluster analysis.
Nurses in Resident Evaluation
Authors: Butiterfield Paula S. , Pearsol James A.
Published: March 2007

This study complemented a large psychometric study using nurses to assess medical residents' humanistic behavior. It was designed to identify how nurses and residents defined humanistic qualities and behaviors and what factors affected their views of residents 'performance and evaluation. The study also illustrates how qualitative methods were used to complement quantitative psychometric data and thereby yield a more complete assessment of the value of a new performance evaluation form. The results indicated that nurses' definitions of humanistic behavior often differed from residents', tending to reflect a broader perspective on the physician's role and responsibility in patient care. Nurses and residents disagreed about whether nurses were qualified to evaluate residents'humanistic behavior and about what nurses actually observed on the wards. Professional respect was an issuefor both nurses and residents. The discussion section identifies some implications for resident training and nurse-resident relationships and supports the value of combining research strategies when evaluating complex human behavior.
An Analysis of Abilities Underlying Early Periodontal Skill Development of Dental Students
Authors: Wilson Suzan G. , Waldman Karoline B. , MacDonald Gayle
Published: March 2007

Although a wide variety of underlying abilities important to dental skill learning have been investigated, there has been little agreement among dental researchers about which of these abilities are really significant. The purpose of this study was to discern if any of the commonly examined fine motor ability tests or any maturational characteristics were associated with early scaling and root-planing skills, which are dental skills used for treating gingivitis. One hundred twenty freshman dental students were subjected to a battery of maturational measurements and motor ability tests that other investigators had associated with dental skill development. This study suggests that the width of the wrist and the length of the first finger may be of some importance in the development of the early dental skills, scaling and root planing. However, most tests used in this study did not adequately explain the abilities underlying scaling and root-planing skills. Further studies should examine other abilities in relation to specific dental skills and the relationship of abilities to early and late skill development.
The Talking Sex Project
Authors: Tudiver Fred , Myers Ted , Kurtz Ruth G. , Orr Kevin , Rowe Cheryl , Jackson Edward , Bullock Sandra L.
Published: March 2007

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of two different kinds of AIDS risk reduction programs for gay and bisexual men practicing sexual behavior at all ranges of risk for transmission of HIV: Six hundred and twelve gay and bisexual men were recruited and randomly assigned to either: (a) singlesession groups led by trained volunteer peers, (b) four-session groups led by paid counselors, or (c) waiting-list control groups. Self-administered questionnaires measured knowledge of AIDS risk, attitudes toward AIDS and sexual practices, and sexual behavior prior to randomization and three months postintervention. Dropouts (18%o) included subjects who did not complete the follow-up data collection. There was an overall shift toward safer sex over time which was strongest for the single-session group, but the effect was not related to group assignments. The changes in knowledge of AIDS risk and the attitude Condom Efficacy were significantly higherfor individuals in the two treatment groups than for the controls.
A Hierarchical Model of Functional Performance in Rehabilitation Medicine
Authors: Ludlow Larry H. , Haley Stephen M. , Gans Bruce M.
Published: March 2007

This article describes the development of the Tufts Assessment of Motor Performance (TAMP). The TAMP measures fine and gross motor performance status across multiple classifications of functional skills. A Raschmodel item response theory analysis supported the hypothesis that the eight motor domains within the TAMP have a hierarchical structure consistent with clinical expectation. Furthermore, total scores summed across the domains were clinically meaningful and statistically defensible. An example of how the TAMP may be employed in clinical assessment is provided. Advantages of the use of the Rasch model are discussed in reference to issues of instrument construction and the clinical description of motor performance.
Predictors of International Health Status
Authors: Larson James S.
Published: March 2007

This study presents a new measure of health status, called the Health Status Scale (HSS). The HSS is composed of five indicators: three measuring adult mortality and two measuring mental and social health. The scale is created to conform to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health as including physical, mental, and social components. The scale is used as the dependent variable in a regression equation, using six common predictors of health status. The predictors relate to health personnel, nutrition, and health facilities. The results of the regression analysis indicate that health facilities are the most significant predictors of health status, using the HSS. Their significance may be due to the relationship between adult mortality and the absence of facilities to treat chronic disease in adults.
A Comparison of Video and Print Formats in the Assessment of Skill in Interpreting Cardiovascular Motion Studies
Authors: Shea Judy A. , Norcini John J. , Baranowski Rebecca A. , Langdon Lynn O. , Popp Richard L.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study is to see if print and video formats of cardiovascular motion studies measured interpretive abilities in the same way. Participants in centers randomly assigned either Form A or B of echocardiograms saw one print and one video subtest. Participants in centers randomly assigned ventriculogram/arteriogram Form A or B saw four subtests: one print and one video for each type of study. Analyses revealed that the video subtests were easier than the print subtests, the print subtests were slightly more reproducible than the video subtests, the disattenuated correlations between print and video subtests of the same type of study were nearly perfect, and with multiple-choice question scores, experience and candidate descriptors were moderate. Given the equivalence of the formats, this study supports the use of the print format in national examinations. But, if resources are available, a video examination could be developed with reasonable psychometric characteristics for local use.
An Application of Practical Strategies in Assessing the Criterion-Related Validity of Credentialing Examinations
Authors: Fidler James R.
Published: March 2007

Within the context of a comprehensive validation study, the criterion-related validities of two laboratory practitioner certification examinations were assessed Partially derived from criteria outlined by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, the research involved assessing the relationships between examination performance andpreexamination internship supervisor performance ratings, postexamination supervisor performance ratings, gradepoint averages(GPAs), andearned credit hours in related and unrelated academic subjects. Supervisors 'overall ratings of examinees were related to total test performance. Exceptions to the positivefindings involved the relationships between content-related work area performance and scores on respective subsections of the examinations. Rather short subsections (20-60 items) appeared to lack the power to discriminantly predict performance in these areas. In addition, although GPAs in laboratory-related subjects were significantly related to examination performance, it was the amount of training in nonrelated subjects that was found to covary with examination performance. The outcomes of the present research also suggest which of the measures may be more effective, useful, and practical for other test validators. Investigators in other credentialing areas may wish to consider the strategies-adopted herefor assessing the validity of tests that they construct and administer
Beyond Access to Medical Care
Authors: Gil David G.
Published: March 2007

This essay expands the public discourse on reform of health care. It examines the meaning of health, societal requirements for attaining health and preventing ills, and values and goals to guide health policy reform. The essay suggests a universal model of health and development in human societies, according to which levels of health and of human development and levels of ill health and of human underdevelopment tend to reflect, and to vary with, the extent to which people can meet their intrinsic needs in the context of the social, economic, and political institutions of their societies and the dominant values that shape these institutions and their dynamics. It applies this model to an examination of health in the United States and reveals that the extent to which people can realize their intrinsic needs is limited and that their health and development are, consequently, unsatisfactory. The essay also examines implications of this analysis for policy development and advocates transformations of our social, economic, political, and cultural institutions in ways conducive to the fulfillment of everyone's intrinsic human needs. This could be achieved by enacting an Economic Bill of Rights in line with President Roosevelt's proposals and the standards of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Serendipity and Pseudoscience
Authors: Holmes Douglas , Teresi Jeanne , Ory Marcia
Published: March 2007

This article presents a discussion of the pitfalls of sloppy science as it is applied to the evaluation of human service programs. The differences are examined between use of the scientufic method and trial-and-error approaches to assessment. The major requirementsforsound research are presente4 as are the pitfalls and shortcomings associated with a less rigorous approach