Estimating the percentage of the population with abnormally low scores (or abnormally large score differences) on standardized neuropsychological test batteries: A generic method with applications.

Information on the rarity or abnormality of an individual's test scores (or test score differences) is fundamental in interpreting the results of a neuropsychological assessment. If a standardized battery of tests is administered, the question arises as to what percentage of the healthy population would be expected to exhibit one or more abnormally low test scores (and, in general, j or more abnormally low scores). Similar issues arise when the concern is with the number of abnormal pairwise differences between an individual's scores on the battery, or when an individual's scores on each component of the battery are compared with the individual's mean score. A generic Monte Carlo simulation method for tackling such problems is described (it requires only that the matrix of correlations between tests be available) and is contrasted with the use of binomial probabilities. The method is then applied to Index scores for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III; D. Wechsler, 1997) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV; D. Wechsler, 2003). Three computer programs that implement the methods are made available. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Supportive colleague, unsupportive supervisor: The role of provider-specific constellations of social support at work in the development of low back pain.

In a 5-year longitudinal study, social support was investigated as a predictor of low back pain (LBP) in 46 initially asymptomatic individuals. Distinguishing between colleagues in general and the colleague one feels closest to, the authors analyzed constellations of support from supervisor (which had positive effects) and closest colleague (which had detrimental effects). Configural frequency analysis yielded a type characterized by high support from one's closest colleague and low support from one's supervisor at Time 1 and more LBP and disability at Time 2. Controlling for negative affectivity did not change findings. Results are interpreted in terms of being dependent on that one source of support in an unsupportive environment, which creates feelings of dependence, incompetence, and reciprocity obligations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)