Myths, misconceptions, and missed opportunity: Single-case designs and counseling psychology.

The status of single-case designs in counseling psychology is reviewed. Also, reasons for the underuse of these designs by counseling psychologists are discussed. Finally, potential contributions (1) in research linking process and outcome, (2) in group counseling, (3) across a variety of theoretical approaches, and (4) to evaluation and quality assurance in clinical practice are described. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Measurement myths and misconceptions.

Presents frequently encountered measurement misconceptions and various measurement "rules." Four misconceptions pertaining to the estimation of validity and reliability, and 6 rules often used during instrument development are included. Of these 6 rules, 2 pertain to the estimation of internal consistency reliability and item analysis, and 4 pertain to factor analysis. Whenever possible, the origins of the misconceptions and rules are described, along with the reasons why they are problematic. Alternate approaches or considerations also are given. When estimating validity and reliability, researchers are encouraged to be "ruled" by logical and critical evaluation of data rather than by arbitrary rules. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some misconceptions of factors.

Notes that R. Thorndike (see PA, Vol. 43:9755) and L. Cronbach have, by simple procedures of averaging coefficients of intercorrelations, attempted to determine whether new proposed abilities in the structure-of-intellect model are distinct from intellectual abilities of traditional types as in IQ scales, and even whether they are sufficiently distinct from 1 another to justify separate measurement. An example is presented which shows that the picture of structure-of-intellect abilities cannot be derived merely from averages of correlation coefficients. Unexpectedly large intercorrelations can be accounted for by the fact that most tests are not univocal. Considerable value is pointed out for differential measurement along the lines of structure-of-intellect abilities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Immunisation timeliness for a birth cohort in Christchurch. Christchurch Immunisation Coordination Study Group

AIMS: To determine whether New Zealand's goals for immunisation coverage are being met in Christchurch and to assess whether scheduled vaccinations are being delivered in a timely fashion. METHODS: A cohort of all infants born in Christchurch during June, July and August 1995 were matched with immunisation benefit claim information for the 6-week, 3-month, 5-month and 15-month immunisation events. Those with incomplete reports were traced for amendment or verification of their immunisation status. RESULTS: The cohort contained 1002 infants. The full complement of scheduled immunisations was delivered to an estimated 95.8% (95% CI: 94.5, 97.2) of infants within the cohort by two years of age. Infants who presented late for their 6-week immunisation visits were significantly more likely to be late for their next visits (chi 2 log rank = 8.2, df = 1, p < 0.01), as were those late for their 3-month visits (chi 2 = 20.9, df = 1, p < 0.01), and their 5-month visits (chi 2 = 52.5, df = 1, p < 0.01). Infants were significantly less likely to receive their full complement of immunisations by two years of age if they presented late for their 6-week (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.01), 3-month (p < 0.01) or 5-month (p = 0.01) immunisation visits. CONCLUSIONS: The Immunisation 2000 target of 95% full immunisation coverage by two years of age was met by this cohort. However, infants who were late for any immunisation visits were more likely to be late for subsequent visits and incompletely vaccinated by two years of age, compared to those infants who presented on time.     

Lice and scabies. Myths and reality

Scabies mites are only distantly related to human lice. Nevertheless, the two groups have much in common as regards to structure and life-style. These similarities result from the two groups using parallel adaptations in order to solve some of the problems of being parasites. Understanding these adaptations may help us give better advice.     

Myths and assertions about the family.

Expresses concern with A. F. Uzoka's (see record 1980-05325-001) contentions about the nuclear conception of the family, arguing that the debate over the family is confused by failure to distinguish between levels of analysis and a neglect of recent research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

AHCPR depression guidelines: Countering misconceptions with more misconceptions?

Comments on the review by R. F. Mu?oz et al (see record 1994-31016-001) of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR, 1993) Depression in Primary Care guidelines. It is contended that in their critique of the guidelines, Mu?oz et al overgeneralized from research in other populations and ignored what literature there is concerning depression in primary care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A survey of common misconceptions about epilepsy.

Administered a survey questionnaire to 202 Ss of varying age, educational, occupational, racial, and gender background to determine the most common misconceptions about epilepsy relative to causes, initiators of seizures, first aid, personal characteristics, everyday activities, and treatment. Responses were dichotimized into categories of true and false, and the Ss' source of information was reported. ANOVAs indicated that public knowledge about the causes of epilepsy was limited. Educational information regarding first aid for seizures and treatment was needed. Specific knowledge deficiencies and some stigmatizing still persisted, and younger members of the general populations were the least informed. College graduates, white collar workers, and postgraduate students are the most informed. The data obtained can be used to design enlightening educational programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Naive statics: Current misconceptions on equilibrium.

Studied common concepts regarding the equilibrium of objects in 3 experiments, using a total of 85 17–45 yr old Ss. Groups of Ss (including some experts in statics) were asked to solve problems like finding the resting position of objects suspended either by their center of gravity or at some point more or less removed from the center of gravity. Results show that, with few exceptions, Ss confused neutral equilibrium with the stable equilibrium that is assumed when the object is symmetrical with its vertical axis. This error is explained, together with the errors found in tasks in which objects were not suspended by their center of gravity, by the hypothesis that Ss conceive equilibrium as an equaling of the potential energy of gravity. The possibility that Ss' mistakes may be due to an impression of equilibrium connected to conditions of perfect symmetry is discussed, as is the hypothesis of the coexistence of naive and objective concepts in the human system of knowledge. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conceptions and misconceptions about the context of paradoxical therapy.

Increasingly, therapists and researchers have begun to explore a relatively new set of psychotherapy techniques that are known collectively as paradoxical therapy. Although the outcome research has been generally supportive of the clinical efficacy of paradoxical therapy, critics have voiced concerns about this therapeutic approach and have described it as being dishonest and unethical. Many of these concerns appear to be based on mistaken notions about the context of paradoxical therapy. This article is designed to clarify some issues surrounding the paradigm, ethics, and practice of paradoxical therapy and to rectify some misconceptions that might otherwise interfere with the development of this promising therapeutic orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

College students with physical disabilities: Myths and realities.

Examined (1) the affect concerning interaction between nondisabled (ND) college students and physically disabled (PD) students, (2) stereotyping by both ND and PD students, (3) aspects of the self-concepts of ND and PD students, (4) ND students' beliefs about these aspects of self-concept. 32 PD college students (aged 19–36 yrs) and 221 ND students served as Ss. Data from a battery of measures showed that ND Ss were less comfortable with PD peers than with able-bodied peers. PD Ss were equally comfortable with ND individuals and with those having the same disability as they did but were as uncomfortable as ND Ss with peers having a disability different from their own. When predicting the responses of others, ND Ss scored both able-bodied and PD peers lower on most dimensions of self-concept than the actual scores of these groups indicate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development of juvenile aggression and violence: Some common misconceptions and controversies.

This article addresses 5 misconceptions and controversies concerning the development of aggression and violence: (a) the misconception that high stability coefficients of aggression over time imply that discontinuity of aggression from childhood to early adulthood is negligible; (b) the misconception that all serious forms of violence have an origin in aggression during early childhood; (c) the controversy about whether a single pathway or multiple pathways best represent individuals' development of antisocial behavior, including violence; (d) the controversy about whether causes of violence are similar to the causes of property offending; and (e) the assumption that the development of violence in women is very similar to that in men. Each of the points is discussed against empirical findings. Theoretical, research, and applied implications of the 5 points are discussed (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Drug abuse in Alaska: Myths versus reality.

Presents 10 myths about drug abuse in Alaska and describes what is known about each of the myths. It is concluded that there is much drug use in Alaska and that Alaskans, especially Alaskan natives, are at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The chronic pain syndrome: misconceptions and management

The management of chronic pain is a universal and vexing problem for physicians. Literature indicates that health care providers have a poor understanding of basic concepts relating to pain, which leads to frustration for the physician and inadequate relief for the patient. This paper addresses misconceptions about organic versus functional pain, discusses placebos and administration of narcotic analgesics, and outlines therapeutic alternatives. Emphasis is on distinguishing chronic pain of benign origin from that secondary to malignancy as an individual treatment plan is formulated.