The validation and further development of a multidimensional cognitive load scale for virtual environments

Measuring cognitive load is important in virtual learning environments (VLE). Thus, valid and reliable measures of cognitive load are important to support instructional design in VLE. Through three studies, we investigated the validity and reliability of Leppink's Cognitive Load Scale (CLS) and developed the extraneous cognitive load (EL) dimension into three sub-scales relevant for VLE: EL instructions, EL interaction, and EL environment. We investigated the validity of the measures using the Partial Credit Model (PCM), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and correlations with retention tests. Study 1 (n = 73) investigated the adapted version of the CLS. Study 2 describes the development and validation of the Multidimensional Cognitive Load Scale for Virtual Environments (MCLSVE), with 140 students in higher education. Study 3 tested the generalizability of the results with 121 higher education students in a more complicated VLE. The results provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the MCLSVE.     

The development of a single-item Food Choice Questionnaire

Based on the multi-item Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) originally developed by Steptoe and colleagues (1995), the current study developed a single-item FCQ that provides an acceptable balance between practical needs and psychometric concerns. Studies 1 (N = 1851) and 2 (2a (N = 3290), 2b (N = 4723), 2c (N = 270)) showed that the single-item FCQ scale has good convergent and discriminant validity. Generally, the results showed the highest correlations with the related multi-item dimensions (>0.40). Study 2 refined the scale. Only the items for convenience (Study 2a), sensory appeal (Study 2b) and mood (Study 2c) needed to be revised (as Study 1 showed a correlation between the multi-item and the single-item below the threshold of 0.60). The results also showed comparable predictive validity. Both methods revealed similar association patterns between food motives and consumption behaviours (Fisher’s z tests revealed agreements of 86.2% for Study 1, 92.9% for Study 2a and 100% for Studies 2b and 2c). Study 3 (N = 6062) showed an example of the added value of a context-specific application for the single-item FCQ. Different motives were shown to be relevant across contexts, and the context-specific motives had additional explained variance beyond the general multi-item FCQ. Studies 2b and 3 also showed the performance of the single-item FCQ in an international context. In sum, the results indicate that the single-item FCQ can be used as a flexible and short substitute for the multi-item FCQ. The study also discusses the conditions that should be considered when using the single-item scale.     

Can video games change attitudes towards history? Results from a laboratory experiment measuring short- and long-term effects

This study investigates a video game's effects on implicit and explicit attitudes towards depicted historical events in the short- and long-term on a sample of 148 young adults. We used, as an intervention tool, a serious game Czechoslovakia 38–89: Borderlands that deals with the expulsion of the Sudeten Germans from the former Czechoslovakia after the WWII. Results showed more negative pretest-posttest explicit attitude changes towards the expulsion on a general level (d = −0.34) and a specific level (d = −0.53) compared to the control group. Over the long-term, group differences in attitude change remained significant for the specific level (d = −0.44), but not for general one (d = −0.16). Exploratory analysis on the item level indicated that especially attitudes towards the expulsion's (un)fairness were affected by the game. However, no significant changes were found in implicit attitudes in the experimental group. This study is the first of such scale to empirically investigate video games' effects on a society's historical awareness.     

药物化学试题库在独立学院的实践与思考

试题库是实现教考分离提高教学质量的重要手段,独立学院建立试题库具有重要意义。文章通过教学实践,分析了《药物化学》试题库的建设方法以及应用。     

浅谈清单实体工程量对工程造价的影响

从合同管理的角度对清单实体工程量变化的原因进行了分析，列出了清单实体工程量存在的调整情况，论述了招标阶段和施工阶段对清单实体工程量的调整原则，以保证工程量的准确性和全面性，从而合理控制工程造价。     

浅谈业主方的门窗幕墙工程管理

从业主的角度出发,分析了门窗幕墙工程的特点,提出了门窗幕墙施工准备,针对质量与进度管理、造价管理与合同管理、安全管理与成本保护等门窗幕墙分项工程管理的全过程进行了探讨,对提升建设水平有重要意义。     

浅谈政府投资建设项目代建制度

分析以往工程管理模式存在的问题,指出"代建制"管理模式与传统工程管理模式的区别,并对此种管理模式在运行过程中可能出现的问题做进一步探讨,从而完善代建制管理的方法及管理程序的进一步优化。     

真空预压施工技术

结合具体工程实例,介绍了真空预压施工的准备工作,对真空预压施工方案进行了阐述,提出了真空预压施工的质量保证措施,以完善真空预压施工工艺,从而提高软基的处理水平,可供同类型工程参考借鉴。     

浅谈建筑施工项目管理

从进度、成本、质量三方面探讨了施工项目管理的目标,从组织机构管理、项目管理的规划、进度控制、成本控制等多方面阐述了建筑施工项目管理的内容,以提高企业的整体管理水平,从而提高社会效益和经济效益。     

关于公路工程造价种新的管理模式的探讨

针对传统造价管理模式不适应公路工程建设项目的现象,介绍了三种不同的现代工程造价管理模式及适用条件,阐述了新旧造价管理模式的转换过程,论证了实行转换的必要性,有利于公路工程建设项目的造价管理。