bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Microswitch to Enable a Woman with Acquired Brain Injury and Profound Multiple Disabilities to Access Environmental Stimulation with LIP Movements
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Saponaro Francesca , O'Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Singh Nirbhay N. , Oliva Doretta
Published: May 2010

This study assessed a new type of microswitch designed to enable a woman with acquired brain injury and profound multiple disabilities to access environmental stimulation through lip movements. The microswitch involved two optic sensors aimed at detecting changes in lip positions. Data showed that the microswitch was suitable and functional for the participant who increased her responding (lip movements) during the intervention phases of the study, that is, when her responses allowed her to access preferred stimulation. Practical implications of the findings were discussed.
Relationships between Physical Self-Concept and Physical Fitness in Italian Adolescents
Authors: Carraro Attilio , Scarpa Stefano , Ventura Laura
Published: May 2010

Physical self-concept exerts a central role in adolescence. In this phase of life, individuals experience many physical, mental, and emotional changes, and sex differences become evident. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between physical self-concept and actual indicators of physical fitness among youth in early adolescence. A total of 103 Italian boys and girls, ages 12 to 15 years ( M = 13.2, SD = 0.7) were studied. Physical self-concept was assessed using the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire, EUROFIT tests were used to measure physical fitness, and BMI was calculated based on height and weight measurements. Results showed several significant correlations between the variables, revealed some sex differences on physical self-concept and fitness, and indicated significant correlations between EUROFIT scores and physical self-concept variables.
Socioeconomic Status, Physical Fitness, Self-Concept, Attitude toward Physical Education, and Academic Achievement of Children
Authors: Aktop Abdurrahman
Published: May 2010

The goal was to analyze the physical fitness, self-concept, attitudes toward physical education, and academic achievement of Turkish elementary school children by socioeconomic status. 198 (101 boys, 97 girls) students from Grades 7 and 8 completed the Children's Attitude Inventory towards Physical Education, the Piers–Harris Children's Self-concept Scale, and Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery. Significant differences were found between the groups of Low and High socioeconomic status (SES) in terms of physical fitness and academic achievement. While the Low SES group had higher mean scores on physical fitness, mean academic achievements of the High SES group were higher. Mean differences in height, self-concept, and children's attitudes toward physical education by socioeconomic status were not statistically significant. Particular attention should be paid to physical fitness in children of high socioeconomic status and the academic achievement of children with low socioeconomic status.
General Linear Mixed Model for Analysing Longitudinal Data in Developmental Research
Authors: Arnau Jaume , Bono Roser , Balluerka Nekane , Gorostiaga Arantxa
Published: May 2010

Many areas of psychological, social, and health research are characterised by hierarchically structured data. Growth curves are usually represented by means of a two-level hierarchical structure in which observations are the first-level units nested within subjects, the second-level units. With data such as these, the best option for analysis is the general linear mixed model, which can be used even with longitudinal data series in which intervals are not constant or for which over the passage of time there is loss of data. In this paper an overview is given of the general linear mixed model approach to the analysis of longitudinal data in developmental research. The advantages of this model in comparison with the traditional approaches for analysing longitudinal data are shown, emphasising the usefulness of modelling the covariance structure properly to achieve a precise estimation of the parameters of the model.
Effects of Cane Length and Diameter and Judgment Type on the Constant Error Ratio for Estimated Height in Blindfolded, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Participants
Authors: Huang Kuo-Chen , Leung Cherng-Yee , Wang Hsiu-Feng
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of blindfolded, visually impaired, and sighted individuals to estimate object height as a function of cane length, cane diameter, and judgment type. 48 undergraduate students (ages 20 to 23 years) were recruited to participate in the study. Participants were divided into low-vision, severely myopic, and normal-vision groups. Five stimulus heights were explored with three cane lengths, varying cane diameters, and judgment types. The participants were asked to estimate the stimulus height with or without reference to a standard block. Results showed that the constant error ratio for estimated height improved with decreasing cane length and comparative judgment. The findings were unclear regarding the effect of cane length on haptic perception of height. Implications were discussed for designing environments, such as stair heights, chairs, the magnitude of apertures, etc., for visually impaired individuals.
Provisional Norms by Age Group for Japanese Women on the Controlled Force Exertion Test Using a Quasi-Random Display
Authors: Nagasawa Yoshinori , Demura Shinichi
Published: May 2010

This study examined age group and individual differences in the controlled force exertion test using quasi-random display and proposed a provisional norm in 249 female participants who were right-handed and aged 15 to 84 years. The participants matched their submaximal grip strength exertions to changing demand values, appearing as a quasi-random wave on the display of a personal computer. The quasi-random waveform changed in π with amplitude and in π/2 with frequency (peak and mean frequency were 0.1 Hz in both waveforms). The participants performed the controlled force exertion test three times at 1-min. intervals (single trials were 40 sec), after one practice trial using the dominant hand. The total sum of the percent of differences between the demand value and the grip exertion value for 25 sec. was used as an evaluation parameter. Measurements showed a right-skewed distribution, which was normal after logarithmic transformation. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in the means of each age group, and test performance decreased after 50 years of age. Norms for each age group were established. An individual's controlled force exertion by the provisional norm as devised in this study can be properly evaluated.
The Fear Survey Schedule for Children-Revised: Normative Developmental Data in Italy
Authors: Riso Daniela Di , Salcuni Silvia , Chessa Daphne , Lis Adriana
Published: May 2010

The aim of the study was to explore children's fear content. Using the Italian Fear Survey Schedule for Children, an Italian-language version of Ollendick's Fear Survey Schedule for Children–Revised (1983), the study assessed the reliability of the survey and reported intensity, prevalence, and content of fears in children aged six to 10 years, using this questionnaire. 1,845 school children (931 girls, 914 boys; M age = 8.3 yr., SD = 1.4) were asked to complete the survey, indicating what they thought were their fears, and the intensity of those fears. Sex and age differences were also examined. Girls endorsed significantly higher fearfulness than did boys. Few age differences were found, with seven-year-olds appearing more fearful than 10- to 11-year-old children. Results were interpreted in relation to developmental changes. Cross-national comparisons were discussed.
A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of Line-of-Sight Gestural Compensation While Conducting Music
Authors: Visentin Peter , Staples Thomas , Wasiak Edwin B. , Shan Gongbing
Published: May 2010

Music ensemble playing relies heavily on a conductor's gestural cues. Visibility of those cues varies within the ensemble, so conductors typically use compensation strategies selectively to improve the clarity of their gestures for different players. Currently, there are no quantitative studies evaluating the efficacy of such compensatory strategies. The present pilot study examined the effectiveness of one typical strategy, namely, twisting or turning to address different sections of an ensemble. The method used three-dimensional motion capture and biomechanical modeling to quantify line-of-sight visibility of the conductor from the viewpoint of ensemble players. Results established a visually advantaged quadrant within the ensemble. They further showed that optimizing visual communication may require less turning than commonly believed.
Features of Stroop and Reverse-Stroop Interference: Analysis by Response Modality and Evaluation
Authors: Ikeda Yoshifumi , Hirata Shogo , Okuzumi Hideyuki , Kokubun Mitsuru
Published: May 2010

Stroop interference (the Stroop effect) is the phenomenon observed when naming the color of an incongruent stimulus, such as the word “red” printed in blue ink; typically, this color incongruence causes slower naming compared to a neutral stimulus, such as a blue square patch. Reverse-Stroop interference occurs when reading the stimulus takes longer than reading the neutral stimulus. Features of Stroop and reverse-Stroop interference were examined, focusing on the difference between the response modalities — oral response and manual response — and the difference between methods of evaluating performance (time or correct responses) and the interference score. Participants were 47 students (30 women, 17 men; M age = 20.8 yr., range = 19–29). The results were as follows: (1) the performance of the reverse-Stroop condition was higher than that of the Stroop condition for both oral and manual responses; (2) the Stroop interference score was significantly greater with the oral response than with the manual response; and (3) the reverse-Stroop interference score was constant regardless of the response modality. The results were discussed with respect to differences in processing speeds of verbal and sensory information.
Simultaneous Treatment Effects in Learning Four Tennis Shots in Contextual Interference Conditions
Authors: Menayo R. , Sabido R. , Fuentes J. P. , Moreno F. J. , García J. A.
Published: May 2010

This study investigated simultaneous treatments in contextual interference (blocked and random practice) and their effect on the process of learning four tennis shots. 8 tennis players participated in the research, which was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved a 3-wk. period of 12 sessions with 192 practice tennis shots per session for each tennis player. The second phase comprised 4 retention tests carried out at 48 hr. and 2, 4, and 6 weeks following the learning phase. This phase consisted of evaluating the retention of the skills that had been practiced during the learning phase. The results indicated an improvement in the quality of shots for both practice conditions during the learning phase. Differences in retention appeared relative to differences in the type of practice conditions (random or blocked) in which the skill was learned and also depended on the type of shot and the time that had elapsed since the learning period.
Substitution of Supplementary Subtests for Core Subtests on Composite Reliability of WAIS–IV Indexes
Authors: Ryan Joseph J. , Glass Laura A.
Published: May 2010

The effects of replacing core subtests with supplementary subtests on composite-score reliabilities were evaluated for the WAIS–IV Indexes. Composite score reliabilities and SEMs (i.e., confidence intervals around obtained scores) are provided for the 13 unique Index scores calculated following the subtest substitution guidelines of Wechsler in 2008. In all instances, unique Index composite-score reliabilities were comparable to their respective core Index score composite reliabilities, and measurement error never increased by more than 1 point. Using the standard Verbal Comprehension Index and Perceptual Reasoning Index and the unique subtest combinations for the Working Memory and Processing Speed indexes, which have the lowest composite-score reliabilities, decreased Full Scale composite reliability by .01, while the associated confidence interval of ± 6 represents an increase in measurement error of 1 IQ point.
The Relationship between Students' Self-Reported Aggressive Communication and Motives to Communicate with Their Instructors
Authors: Edwards Chad , Myers Scott A.
Published: May 2010

Using a convenience sample, 172 college students' ( M age = 20.2 yr., SD = 2.5) motives for communicating with their instructors and their own verbal aggressiveness and argumentativeness were studied using the Argumentativeness Scale, the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, and the Student Motives to Communicate Scale. Significant negative relationships were obtained between students' self-reports of argumentativeness and the sycophantic motive and between students' self-reports of verbal aggressiveness and the functional motive, but generally, students' motives to communicate with their instructors generally were not associated with their self-reported aggressive communication behaviors.
The Fish Stick: An Easy-to-Use Classroom Training Apparatus for Fish
Authors: Miskovsky Charles , Becker Brittney , Hilker Alleah , Abramson Charles I.
Published: May 2010

The fish stick is an easy-to-use device for conditioning fish under classroom conditions. It is constructed from inexpensive plastic pipe available at most hardware stores and uses electronic components available at retail electronics outlets. Fish press a nipple for baby food which can be brought under stimulus control using lights, vibratory cues, or both. The fish stick is suitable for inquiry-based experiences in courses on the psychology of learning or comparative psychology. Data are presented using a continuous reinforcement schedule and discrimination learning. Students report that the fish are easy to train and enjoy the hands-on experience.
Mean Ages of Homicide Victims and Victims of Homicide–Suicide
Authors: Bridges F. Stephen , Tankersley William B.
Published: May 2010

Using Riedel and Zahn's 1994 reformatted version of an FBI database, the mean age of homicide victims in 2,175 homicide–suicides (4,350 deaths) was compared with that of all other victims of homicides reported for the USA from 1968 to 1975. The overall mean age of homicide victims in homicide–suicides was 1 yr. greater than for victims of homicides not followed by suicides, whereas the mean age for both male and female homicide–suicide victims was, respectively, 3 yr. less and greater than the other homicide victims. The mean age of Black homicide victims of homicide–suicides was 2.4 yr. less than that for Black victims of other homicides, whereas the means for Black and White male homicide victims in homicide–suicides were, respectively, about 4 and 5 yr. less than for victims of other homicides. Also, the mean age of White female homicide victims in homicide–suicides was more than two years greater than for female victims of homicides not followed by suicides. When both sex and race were considered, the mean age for those killed in homicide–suicides relative to those killed in homicides not followed by suicides may represent subpopulations with different mean ages of victims.
Cues for Inferring Secrets Held by Others during Social Interactions
Authors: Tabata Naoya
Published: May 2010

Cues for inferring the secrets held by others were investigated by asking 141 undergraduates to respond to an open-ended question about cues used for inferring whether other people were withholding a secret during daily social interactions. Analysis indicated evasion of a topic, silent pauses, and aversion of gaze were common cues for inferring secrets by these undergraduates.
What is Suicide? Will Suicidologists Ever Agree?
Authors: Lester David , Fleck Jessica
Published: May 2010

51 students and 20 experts judged 20 behaviors which might be considered to be suicide in a similar fashion with the exception that the experts were less likely to see a dog who refuses to eat and dies as a suicide. Applying models proposed for how people categorize objects, it is argued that both experts and lay people use a prototypical approach rather than a feature comparison approach for defining suicide.
Work–Family Conflict and Job Burnout among Correctional Staff
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Hogan Nancy L.
Published: May 2010

Work–family conflict and job burnout are both issues for 272 correctional staff (response rate of 68%). The two major forms of work–family conflict are work-on-family conflict and family-on-work conflict. Multivariate analysis of survey data from 272 correctional staff at a state prison indicated work-on-family conflict had a significant positive relation with job burnout, while family-on-work conflict did not.
Asymmetric Effects of Positive and Negative Affect on Decision Making
Authors: Cahir Caitriona , Thomas Kevin
Published: May 2010

Although affect is a fundamental element of decision making, there are different theoretical accounts and conflicting empirical evidence of its influence. This experiment was done to begin a more coherent account of the influence of affect by using standardised images to induce affect and a betting task to measure decision making. Eighty-five participants were assigned to a positive, a negative, or a neutral affect condition before making decisions on two hypothetical horse races. Analysis indicated that those in the positive and negative conditions made lower-risk decisions than those in the neutral condition; however, this did not differ between the races, suggesting that task familiarity did not moderate the influence of affect. Contrary to previous research, these results indicate that positive and negative affect do not necessarily exert symmetrical effects on decision making. Implications for the major accounts of the influence of affect on decision making are discussed in relation to the findings.
Temperature-Based Metonymies for Emotions in Children and Adults
Authors: Waggoner John E.
Published: May 2010

Research with adults has found consistent metonymic mappings between emotions and temperature (e.g., anger is metonymically described with heat). The present study investigated the development of these relationships in early middle childhood. 30 7-yr.-olds, 30 9-yr.-olds, and 60 adults ( M age = 18 yr., 3 mo.) matched the emotions of anger, fear, sorrow, love, hate, happiness, embarrassment, and shame to the temperature dimension. Age-related differences in the mappings were observed for all emotions except fear. Findings are discussed in terms of Kovecses' analyses of temperature-emotion metonymies in adults.
Rejection or Selection: Influence of Framing in Investment Decisions
Authors: Cheng Pi-Yueh , Chiou Wen-Bin
Published: May 2010

According to prospect theory, reflection effects result in preferences for risk-averse choices in gain situations and risk-seeking choices in loss situations. However, relevant literature in regard to decision making has suggested that positive information receives more weight in a selection task, whereas negative information receives more weight in a rejection task. The present study examined whether the nature of a decision task (selection vs rejection) would moderate the reflection effects. Undergraduates (47 men, 49 women; M age = 20.5 yr., SD = 1.1), selected according to specific screening criteria, participated in an experimental study. Typical reflection effects were observed in both selection and rejection task conditions. More importantly, negative information (i.e., the information about probable loss in risky choice of gain situations and the information about certain loss in cautious choice of loss situations) provided in the context of a rejection task received more weight and resulted in more frequent endorsements of the cautious choice in gain situations and of the risky choice in loss situations. Hence, the findings suggest that a decision context characterized by rejection may expand the reflection effects and thereby provide important information about situations in which investment decisions occur in a context characterized by rejection.
Writing Styles of a Korean Sample by Age: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lee Chang Hwan , Park Jongmin , Park Jaejin
Published: May 2010

This descriptive study concerned whether language use differs across age groups of Korean participants. Language use by Koreans in their 20s, 40s, and 60s were compared using the Korean Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. Analysis showed that Koreans in their 60s used as many phrases and morphemes per sentence as younger people, which reflects similar complexity of language. In addition, those in their 40s showed the strongest use of words related to emotion, cognition, work, and leisure. These results show interesting differences from studies conducted with Western subjects.
Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence among Spanish University Students: Prevalence, Correlates, Polyconsumption, and Comorbidity with Depression
Authors: Vázquez Fernando L.
Published: May 2010

In this study, the prevalence of psychoactive substance use and dependence was estimated among students at a Spanish university, together with associated factors, polyconsumption, and comorbidity with depression, using a 554-member sample stratified by sex, degree year, and discipline. 86.5% had consumed some potentially addictive psychoactive substance in the past month, and 10.5% satisfied DSM–IV criteria for dependence on nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or cannabis. Polyconsumers (90.4%) consumed an average 3.2 different substances. Current depression implied increased likelihood of having consumed tobacco or psychoactive pharmaceutical drugs in the past month, and DSM–IV symptoms of major depressive episode were shown by 8.6% of 58 substance-dependent participants, 8.7% of 540 past-month legal substance consumers, and 12.1% of 140 past-month illegal substance consumers.
Anger and Depression: Evidence of a Possible Mediating Role for Rumination
Authors: Balsamo Michela
Published: May 2010

Tendency to ruminate may mediate the relationship between anger and depression. In this preliminary study, 353 Italian community participants completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory–2, the Padua Inventory's Tendency to Doubt and to Ruminate subscale, and the Beck Depression Inventory–II. Trait anger and depression were expected to have a positive relationship, and separate relationships with the tendency to ruminate. Theoretically, a new hypothesis was that the tendency to ruminate would mediate the relationship between depression and anger. Zero-order and partial correlations and a path analysis based on Baron and Kenny's method for calculating multiple regression analyses were calculated. Consistent with the hypotheses, anger and depression were strongly associated; the tendency to ruminate was significantly associated with both anger and depression; and the mediation model fit the data. Behaviors related to the tendency to ruminate could help to explain how depression is related to anger.
Administering the Implicit Association Test in an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Waters Andrew J. , Miller Elizabeth K. , Li Yisheng
Published: May 2010

The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is widely used to assess automatic associations in memory. The feasibility of administering the test in an Ecological Momentary Assessment setting was examined with 15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers who carried a handheld computer for 1 wk. as they went about their daily lives. They completed the Implicit Association Test on the computer at random times 4 times a day and whenever they felt suddenly anxious. Overall, participants completed 80.4% of random assessments ( M = 23.4 assessments). Nonsmokers initially exhibited a more negative IAT Effect than smokers. Over repeated testing, however, the IAT Effect of nonsmokers (but not smokers) became less negative, and the between-group difference disappeared. The data show that it is feasible to administer the Implicit Association Test in an Ecological Momentary Assessment setting, and that the IAT Effect can change with extensive testing.
A Comparison of Citations across Multidisciplinary Psychology Journals: A Case Study of Two Independent Journals
Authors: Schumm Walter R.
Published: May 2010

Citation rates and impact factors are often used in an attempt to evaluate the apparent prestige of scholarly journals and the quality of research published by individual scholars. However, the apparent prestige of “top tier” journals may reflect aggressive marketing and advertising efforts as much as scholarship. Some journals have retained their independence from professional organizations and the funding, marketing, and advocacy policies that may be associated with such organizations. While lacking as much visibility as organizational journals and sometimes considered “lower tier,” independent journals may be able to provide comparable scientific quality as measured by citation rates. To test this, the citation rates of 169 articles published by a frequently cited scholar were compared across first- and second-tier journals, including many sponsored and marketed by large professional organizations, and to rates for two independent journals combined, Psychological Reports and Perceptual and Motor Skills. Citation rates were higher for first-tier journals but for most comparisons, especially those that controlled for heterogeneity of variance, results did not differ in statistically significant ways among the three tiers of journals, though some nonsignificant trends ( p < .15) were found. If citation rates of articles are any indication of scientific quality, tiered classifications of journals appear to be a relatively weak indicator of scientific merit; journals at any tier contain articles that are useful and of good quality.
Achievement, Attributions, Self-Efficacy, and Goal Setting by Accounting Undergraduates
Authors: Cheng Pi-Yueh , Chiou Wen-Bin
Published: May 2010

Correlations were examined between two measures of accounting self-efficacy, achievement goal setting, attributions, and scores on the Accounting Practice Achievement Test, obtained 1 yr. apart for 124 freshmen in junior college. Analysis indicated favorable attribution contributed to a higher mean score on accounting self-efficacy. Students with higher perceived self-efficacy performed better on the proficiency tests. Those with higher self-efficacy also set higher goals for subsequent achievement tests. Moreover, students who set higher achievement goals performed better. Goal setting mediated the relation of initial self-efficacy with subsequent test performance. However, the amount of variance accounted for by self-efficacy was small. An effective method for enhancing performance on an accounting achievement test might be to increase beneficial attributions, self-efficacy in accounting, and to encourage setting reasonable achievement goals.
Loading of the G-Factor in Human Figure Drawing
Authors: Sisto Fermino Fernandes
Published: May 2010

This study reports the results of a bifactorial analysis of the criteria of the Human Figure Drawing Test, based on the original Goodenough system. This analysis was designed to assess the loading of the general factor of intelligence for that test. 541 children (52.9% boys, 47.1% girls; ages 5-10 years) attending preschool through Grade 4 in public and private schools were studied. Principal component analysis with oblimin rotation identified four components which were not highly correlated, making it possible to conduct a bifactorial analysis. The results were interpreted as showing the predominance of a single general factor, so the existence of a latent variable capable of explaining most of the variance (56.84%) between the items seems likely.
An Examination of the Validity of the Academic Motivation scale with a United States Business Student Sample
Authors: Smith Kenneth J. , Davy Jeanette A. , Rosenberg Donald L.
Published: May 2010

This study examined alternative seven-, five-, and three-factor structures for the Academic Motivation Scale, with data from a large convenience sample of 2,078 students matriculating in various business courses at three AACSB-accredited regional comprehensive universities. In addition, the invariance of the scale's factor structure between male and female students and between undergraduate and Master's of Business Administration students was investigated. Finally, the internal consistency of the items loading on each of the seven AMS subscales was assessed as well as whether the correlations among the subscales supported a continuum of self-determination. Results for the full sample as well as the targeted subpopulations supported the seven factor configuration of the scale with adequate model fit achieved for all but the MBA student group. The data also generated acceptable internal consistency statistics for all of the subscales. However, in line with a number of previous studies, the correlations between subscales failed to fully support the scale's simplex structure as proposed by self-determination theory.
Linguistic Analysis of a Blog from a Murder–Suicide
Authors: Lester David
Published: May 2010

An analysis of the blog of a murder–suicide showed no similarities to previous analyses of the diary of a suicide.
Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Turkish Patients with Glaucoma
Authors: Tastan Sevinc , Iyigun Emine , Bayer Atilla , Acikel Cengizhan
Published: May 2010

The purpose was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with glaucoma. This case-control study was carried out with 121 participants with glaucoma ( M age = 64.2, SD = 13.2; 68 women, 76.0% married) and 64 controls. The data were collected by using a data collection form involving questions on patients' specific characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Rate of clinical anxiety was 14.0% and depression 57.0% among the participants with glaucoma. The anxiety risk in women with glaucoma was found to be 7.5 times higher than in men. Risk of depression was 2.94 times higher in unmarried compared to married participants. Anxiety scores were higher in unmarried participants and women. The mean Depression score was statistically significantly higher for unmarried participants. The incidence of depression and anxiety increased with decreasing quality of life scores. Quality of life was associated negatively with anxiety and depression in patients with glaucoma. Evaluating quality of life, anxiety, and depression in older individuals who have glaucoma and examining the risk factors are important to provide earlier health care service and preventive psychological treatment.
Sex Differences in the Height from which Suicides Jump
Authors: Mao Shi-Wei , Lester David
Published: May 2010

Analysis of 321 suicides by jumping in five cities and provinces in China indicated that men and women who died from their suicidal actions jumped from similar heights.
Evidence of Pro-Homosexual Bias in Social Science: Citation Rates and Research on Lesbian Parenting
Authors: Schumm Walter R.
Published: May 2010

Three refereed journal articles concerning lesbian family life were identified and compared for content and methodological quality. The articles shared the same authors, same academic institution of origin, the same samples, similar dates of publication, and even the same journals. However, one article reported evidence less supportive of lesbian parenting while two articles reported evidence more supportive of lesbian parenting. Citation rates for the articles were compared. The supportive reports have been cited 28 to 37 times since their publication compared to only two citations for the less supportive report, in spite of its possibly better methodological qualities. The citation rate differences were statistically significant. Implications for this possible evidence of pro-homosexual bias in the social sciences are discussed.
Letters from a Suicide: Van Gogh and his Sister
Authors: Lester David
Published: May 2010

An analysis of trends over a 3-yr. period in the letters of Vincent Van Gogh to his sister as the time of his suicide approached identified 8 trends, including an increase in words concerned with anxiety and words concerned with the past.
Reconstruction and Validation of the Personal Style Inventory in a Flemish Clinical and Student Sample
Authors: Desmet Mattias , Vanheule Stijn , Meganck Reitske , Verhaeghe Paul
Published: May 2010

The Personal Style Inventory–II (Robins, Ladd, Welkowitz, Blaney, Diaz, & Kutcher, 1994) was constructed to assess sociotropy and autonomy; two personality dimensions associated with increased susceptibility to depression. In the present study, the authors used a confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the fit of the theoretical model of the Personal Style Inventory–II in a heterogeneous clinical sample ( N = 266) and in a student sample ( N = 799); construct validity was evaluated by correlating the Personal Style Inventory–II scales with the scales of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems–64 and the Symptom Checklist-90–R. Poor fit of the original Personal Style Inventory–II model was observed in both samples. Yet, after progressive elimination of 18 items, a good fit was obtained in the clinical sample and replicated in the student sample. This brief version demonstrated better construct validity than the long version, especially in a depressed clinical sample: sociotropy was associated with nonassertive, overly accommodating, and self-sacrificing interpersonal behaviour, depressive symptoms, phobic complaints, and anxiety and somatic symptoms; autonomy was associated with cold and vindictive interpersonal behaviour, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and aggressive urges. In contrast to the long version, scores on the shortened version showed the predicted sex differences.
A Step toward a Common Measure of Organizational Justice
Authors: Maharee-Lawler Saree , Rodwell John , Noblet Andrew
Published: May 2010

Dimensions of the organizational justice construct were examined in a public sector context utilizing an organizational justice measure developed by Colquitt in 2001. Exploratory factor analysis and standard error scree test supported four dimensions of justice as measured by Colquitt's scale. There was evidence of a new factor called procedural-voice justice that taps a possible association with the concept of voice. Future research on organizational justice must investigate its dimensionality based on more representative samples to develop a more globally applicable measure.
Screening for Depression among Indigenous Mexican Migrant Farmworkers Using the Patient Health Questionnaire–9
Authors: Donlan William , Lee Junghee
Published: May 2010

U.S. farmworkers include growing numbers of individuals from indigenous, pre-Columbian communities in southern Mexico with distinctive languages and cultures. Given the high stress these farmworkers experience in their challenging work environments, they are very susceptible to depression and other mental and emotional health disorders. The present study explores the Spanish version of the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ–9) as a screen for the presence and severity of depression among 123 indigenous Mexican-origin, migrant farmworkers in Oregon. Factor structure and inter-item correlations of the PHQ–9 are examined, along with associations between depression and culture-bound syndromes, self-esteem, self-efficacy, acculturation stress, and other sample psychosocial characteristics. The PHQ–9 exhibited strong factor loadings and internal consistency, and its severity score significantly correlated with other indicators of health status that were observed in previous studies to be significantly associated with depression. The PHQ–9 appears to be culturally relevant for use with Mexicans coming from a variety of indigenous cultures and having very low education and literacy.
Body Modifications, Sexual Activity, and Religious Practices
Authors: Rivardo Mark G. , Keelan Colleen M.
Published: May 2010

Relations among body modifications (i.e., tattoos and piercings), sexual activity, and religious practices and beliefs were examined. In previous studies, Koch and colleagues found the type of body modification seemed to interact with sex to predict sexual activity; but only weak, negative correlations were found between tattoos and religious beliefs and practices. In a sample of 236 students ( M age = 20.1 yr.) from a small Catholic liberal arts college, numbers of tattoos and sexual partners were correlated statistically significantly. Other results differed by t sex: men with piercings were more likely to have had premarital intercourse, and women who had had premarital intercourse had more piercings than women who had not. There were no statistically significant correlations among body modifications and religious variables.
Analysis of the Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale in a Sports Context
Authors: Martín-Albo José , Núñtez Juan L. , León Jaime
Published: May 2010

The purpose of the present research was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS) in sport context. The TMMS is a 24-item self-report measure that assesses perceived emotional intelligence, which is the extent to which people believe they pay attention to their emotions and are capable of distinguishing and regulating them. Participants were 368 athletes (257 male, 111 female; M age = 21.4 yr., SD = 5.5; range = 14–40). Factor validity was tested via Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Based on factor loadings, covariances, and modification indices, the TMMS was reduced to a 22-item model. This respecification showed adequate reliability and construct validity. Multistep analysis of invariance indicated that the factor structure of the TMMS is invariant across sex. Predictive validity was assessed through path analysis. The results support the use of the Spanish version of the TMMS in a sport context.
Can Student Ratings of Teaching be Predicted by Teaching Styles?
Authors: Chen Guo-Hai , Watkins David
Published: May 2010

The relationship between teaching styles and student ratings of teaching was examined at a Chinese university. 388 teachers (170 men, 218 women) were invited to fill out the 49-item Teaching Styles Inventory (Grigorenko & Sternberg, 1993). The inventory measures seven teaching styles: legislative, judicial, liberal, global, executive, conservative, and local. Scores from students' evaluations of teaching of courses for one semester were collected. Students' evaluation scores were significantly and negatively related to executive and conservative teaching styles of their teachers, while no significant correlation was found between student ratings and any of the other five teaching styles. Only conservative teaching style contributed significantly to the prediction of student ratings. Sex and age were found to have moderating effects on the relationship between teaching style and student ratings. The role of teaching styles in student ratings was discussed.
Relationship of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test–Second Edition and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence in Children Referred for ADHD
Authors: Raggio Donald J. , Scattone Dorothy , May Warren
Published: May 2010

This study examines the relationship between the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test–Second Edition (KBIT–2). Increasingly, psychologists are using brief measures of intelligence, but scant information exists regarding their clinical utility in various populations. 44 children referred for evaluation of ADHD were administered the KBIT–2 and WASI in counterbalanced order. Results of this study indicated the WASI to be a more stable measure of ADHD children's intelligence, that the KBIT–2 Vocabulary scores were significantly lower than the WASI Verbal score, and that there was significant variability within participants.
Classical and Bayesian Estimation in the Logistic Regression Model Applied to Diagnosis of Child Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Gordóvil-Merino Amalia , Guàrdia-Olmos Joan , Peró-Cebollero Maribel , de la Fuente-Solanas Emilia I.
Published: May 2010

The limitations inherent to classical estimation of the logistic regression models are known. The Bayesian approach in statistical analysis is an alternative to be considered, given that it makes it possible to introduce prior information about the phenomenon under study. The aim of the present work is to analyze binary and multinomial logistic regression simple models estimated by means of a Bayesian approach in comparison to classical estimation. To that effect, Child Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) clinical data were analyzed. The sample included 286 participants of 6–12 years (78% boys, 22% girls) with ADHD positive diagnosis in 86.7% of the cases. The results show a reduction of standard errors associated to the coefficients obtained from the Bayesian analysis, thus bringing a greater stability to the coefficients. Complex models where parameter estimation may be easily compromised could benefit from this advantage.
Business School Internships: Sources and Resources
Authors: Rothman Miriam , Lampe Marc
Published: May 2010

An exit survey was completed by 381 undergraduate students enrolled for credit in a business school internship course. The majority worked in a for-profit business, with marketing as the most often cited functional area in an internship, for which 50% of the students were unpaid. A personal contact was most likely to be the source of the internship. One-third of the interns received a job offer, with some directly crediting the university's internship program. Results of the survey are discussed within the context of “intelligent careers.”
A Structural Model of Teacher Role Stress, Satisfaction, Commitment, and Intentions to Leave: A Comment on Conley and you (2009)
Authors: Smith Kenneth J.
Published: May 2010

Conley and You assessed the plausibility of three alternative model specifications of the relations between role stressors (i.e., role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload) and organizational commitment, satisfaction, and turnover intentions among a sample of 178 teachers employed in four Southern California high schools. Using structural equations modeling procedures to evaluate their data, the authors reported the best fit for their “fully mediated effects” model wherein there was a “strong causal path from role ambiguity and role conflict → satisfaction → commitment → intentions to leave” (p. 781). This note addresses methodological issues with the present study and provides suggestions for follow-up efforts designed to replicate and/or extend this line of research.
Attitudes toward Egg and Sperm Donation
Authors: Lester David , Furnham Adrian , Salem Natalie
Published: May 2010

In a sample of 124 American undergraduate students, approval of egg donation was predicted by age, sex, and Neuroticism scores ( R2 = .14), while approval of sperm donation was predicted only by age of this sample ( R2 = .07).
Linking Functional and Relational Service Quality to Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty: Differences between Men and Women
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández Rosa M. , Martínez-Tur Vicente , Peiró José M. , Moliner Carolina
Published: May 2010

This study assessed differences between men and women in the association of perceptions of service quality with customer evaluations. Functional (efficiency with which the service is delivered) and relational (customers' emotional benefits, beyond the core performance, related to the social interaction of customers with employees) dimensions of service quality were measured as well as customer satisfaction and loyalty. The sample of 277 customers (191 men, 86 women), surveyed in 29 Mexican hotels, had a mean age of 38.1 yr. ( SD = 9.7) for men and 34.5 yr. ( SD = 11.0) for women. To be eligible for survey, customers had to have spent at least one night in the hotel in question. Analysis indicated that the women and men differed in the association of functional and relational dimensions of service quality with their satisfaction and loyalty. Functional service quality was higher for the men than the women, while relational service quality showed greater predictive power for women than for men, although these accounted for only 4% of the customers' satisfaction variance and 6% of the loyalty variance.
Motivation and Personality: Relationships between Putative Motive Dimensions and the Five Factor Model of Personality
Authors: Bernard Larry C.
Published: May 2010

There are few multidimensional measures of individual differences in motivation available. The Assessment of Individual Motives–Questionnaire assesses 15 putative dimensions of motivation. The dimensions are based on evolutionary theory and preliminary evidence suggests the motive scales have good psychometric properties. The scales are reliable and there is evidence of their consensual validity (convergence of self–other ratings) and behavioral validity (relationships with self–other reported behaviors of social importance). Additional validity research is necessary, however, especially with respect to current models of personality. The present study tested two general and 24 specific hypotheses based on proposed evolutionary advantages/disadvantages and fitness benefits/costs of the five-factor model of personality together with the new motive scales in a sample of 424 participants ( M age = 28.8 yr., SD = 14.6). Results were largely supportive of the hypotheses. These results support the validity of new motive dimensions and increase understanding of the five-factor model of personality.