Assessing students' metacognitive awareness of reading strategies.

This article describes the development and validation of a new self-report instrument, the Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory, which is designed to assess adolescent and adult readers' metacognitive awareness and perceived use of reading strategies while reading academic or school-related materials. There were 3 strategy subscales or factors: Global Reading Strategies, Problem-Solving Strategies, and Support Reading Strategies. The reliability and factorial validity of the scale were demonstrated. After a brief review of the literature, the development and validation of the instrument are described, and its psychometric properties are discussed. In addition, directions for administering and scoring the instrument are provided, and suggestions for interpreting the results obtained are offered. Finally, the scales' implications for reading research and instruction are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Validity and reliability of a new questionnaire on patient satisfaction in rehabilitative therapy

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine some psychometric properties of a new questionnaire measuring patients' satisfaction with respect to the quality of care during stay in a rehabilitation unit. The instrument (called SAT-16) is composed of 16 four-level items and 2 open-ended questions. The construct validity of the 16-item section was already demonstrated in a previous study based on factorial analysis. In this study the concurrent validity, further aspects of the construct validity and test-retest reliability were analyzed. METHODS: The SAT-16 was administered to 339 inpatients, admitted consecutively to a Rehabilitation Center. RESULTS: 262 questionnaires (77%) were returned, of which 221 with all items filled in. The SAT-16 correlated well with two other measures of satisfaction (CSQ-8 and global satisfaction regarding the hospital stay). The answers to two open-ended questions came out to be consistent with those to the 16 closed-ended questions. The high values for the indices of test-retest reliability (ICC and kappa) are evidence of the stability of the scores in two repeated administrations. CONCLUSIONS: The SAT-16 was found to be provided with good psychometric characteristics. It can be proposed as a valid instrument for use in clinical practice for the continuous quality improvement of inpatient medical rehabilitation programmes.     

Brain metastasis model in athymic nude mice using a novel MUC1-secreting human breast-cancer cell line, MA11

OBJECTIVES: This study explored parental attitudes about their interactions with their children's providers when decision making involved critical life situations. We evaluated parents' attitudes regarding the following questions: What was the parents' understanding of their children's health care issues, and what was the parental perception of the professionals' understanding of their children and of themselves? Who should be the principal decision makers for the children? What was the parents' knowledge about advance directives? Did parents want to participate in a process of advance planning to assist with critical life decision making for their children? METHODS: We surveyed all parents attending a conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for parents of children with special needs. The questionnaire was provided to all parents attending the conference. An announcement was made at the conference requesting parental participation. The 76 respondents constitute a convenience sample of parents of children with special needs sufficient for this preliminary stage of investigation. RESULTS: Of 177 parents attending the conference, 76 (43%) completed the questionnaire. Eighty-eight percent of the participants strongly agreed that they understood their children's conditions. Twenty-one percent stated that they had sufficient understanding of their children's future medical needs, and 21% thought that they had a sufficient understanding of their children's developmental potential. Ninety-nine percent of parents strongly agreed that physicians should share information with parents no matter how serious or potentially upsetting. Ninety-four percent of those parents who thought that their children's physicians understood their own needs also thought that the physicians understood their children's needs. In contrast, only half (55%) of those parents who thought the physicians did not understand their needs thought the physicians understood their children's needs. Ninety-two percent of parents who thought that the physicians understood their needs agreed that the physicians would make the best decisions in crises versus 60% of those who did not think the physicians understood their needs. Seventy-four percent stated that they would consider written guidelines for their children that dealt with critical life situations. All parents who thought their children's conditions were not understood wanted written guidelines. Of those parents who had thought their children would not survive (15 parents), 94% wanted written guidelines. All seven parents who had been told their children would not survive wanted written guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Parents in this study were generally satisfied with care being provided to their children. Nevertheless, the results clearly suggest goals that could lead to improved capacity for parents and providers to make critical life decisions for and with children. First, physicians must understand the needs of parents to be able to make decisions that would be in the children's best interests. Second, parents should participate fully in critical life decisions for their children and should use written guidelines to assist with the process of these critical life decisions. Our findings strongly support the development of a longitudinal process, initiated early after the onset or discovery of illness and maintained longitudinally throughout the course of a child's illness, to help parents and providers work together in this vital area of health care to children.     

A comparison of pictorial and written adjunct aids in learning from text.

Compared the effects of pictorial and written (questions) adjunct aids interspersed through text on factual recall. 63 undergraduates read 1 of the following forms of text: questions before relevant passage, questions after, pictures before, pictures after, questions and pictures before, questions and pictures after, no adjunct aids. Results show that reader-generated pictures and experimenter-provided questions were equally facilitative and resulted in increased retention over the control group. Question position effects characteristic of mathemagenic studies were replicated. Identical position effects were demonstrated for reader-generated pictures used as adjunct aids. Implications for mathemagenics and prose learning are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Construction et validation de l'échelle de Satisfaction dans les études (ESDE).

Studied the construction and validation of an instrument designed to evaluate academic satisfaction. Human subjects: 539 male and female Canadian adults (mean age 17.4–28.7 yrs) (university students). The "échelle de Satisfaction dans les études" (Scale of Satisfaction in Studies), a 5-item instrument derived from the Satisfaction with Life Scale by E. Diener et al (1985), was administered to Ss in a series of 5 studies. Internal consistency, temporal stability, factorial structure, and construct validity were evaluated. Factorial analysis using LISREL and other statistical tests were used. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Three evaluation methods of a community health advocate program

BACKGROUND: The job demands-control model developed by Karasek has greatly influenced research on psychosocial factors at work and health. Validity of the English version of the psychological demands and decision latitude scales is documented. Psychometric qualities of the French version are investigated here in a representative sample of the general population, including blue-collars and white-collars. METHODS: The French translation of the psychological demand and decision latitude scales was administered by interview in a representative sample of the Quebec working population (N = 1,110). Internal consistency and factorial validity of the instrument were studied among white-collars and blue-collars separately. Discriminant validity was assessed for the whole population. RESULTS: Cronbach alpha coefficients, varying between 0.68 and 0.85, support the internal consistency of the scales. Demographic distribution of the scales and intercorrelations were consistent with the English version. Results of the factor analysis were consistent with the two dimensions expected from the theory. Mean scale scores and variations in the prevalence of high psychological demands combined with low decision latitude by age, sex, education, and job category support the discriminant validity of the instrument. CONCLUSIONS: Results support internal consistency, factorial validity, and discriminant validity of the French version of the psychological demands and decision latitude scales of the Karasek "Job Content Questionnaire" for white-collars and for blue-collars of the general population.     

The EWMA control chart: properties and comparison with other quality-control procedures by computer simulation

A quality-control chart based on exponentially weighted moving averages (EWMA) has, in the past few years, become a popular tool for controlling inaccuracy in industrial quality control. In this paper, I explain the principles of this technique, present some numerical examples, and by computer simulation compare EWMA with other control charts currently used in clinical chemistry. The EWMA chart offers a flexible instrument for visualizing imprecision and inaccuracy and is a good alternative to other charts for detecting inaccuracy, especially where small shifts are of interest. Detection of imprecision with EWMA charts, however, requires special modification.     

Validation of the eating disorders inventory in a nonclinical population using transformed and untransformed responses

In the present study, the validity of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) in a Dutch nonclinical female school population was established. The data were analyzed in two ways. In the first analyses, the factorial integrity of the questionnaire, and the internal consistencies of the subscales were not found to be very satisfactory. The data showed an impressive lack of variability. It was suggested by the authors that in a nonclinical population the variability of the EDI data is being suppressed as a result of the fact that, in concordance with the manual, the original 6-point EDI items were transformed into 4-point items. In the second analyses, this item transformation was ejected. The psychometric properties of all EDI subscales in the present study improved. Implications for the use of the untransformed EDI as a screening instrument were discussed.     

Validation d'un questionnaire du sentiment d'imposture pour enfants et adolescents (QSIEA).

This paper presents the results of the validation of an instrument designed to assess the impostor feeling amongst children and adolescents. The first study was conducted with samples of students aged 10 to 17. It allowed showing that all the eight items loaded on a single factor that explains 57.6% of the variance. The test-retest procedure allowed concluding that the instrument was very stable over a 6-week period. The second study was conducted with a sample of late elementary school students. Results confirmed the factorial structure observed in the first study as well as its convergent validity. The discussion emphasises the potential utility of the instrument for both research and intervention purposes with young French speaking students. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency: one syndrome, but more than one gene

BACKGROUND: Functional status differs among populations of elderly, although the extent of differences in types of functions among groups has not been closely examined. This study identifies and compares characteristics among different populations of elderly, using a screening test that measures self-assessment of multiple areas of function. The screening tool used was the Dartmouth COOP Charts, developed for and primarily tested in office medical practices. It has not been used to systematically compare office patients with other groups of elderly. METHODS: Dartmouth COOP Charts were administered to five groups of elderly drawn from convenience samples of individuals age 65 and older, including elderly living in senior apartments, those attending community activities, mentally oriented nursing home patients, office patients, and elderly patients not visiting the doctor within the past 6 months. Demographic data, as well as COOP chart results, were obtained. RESULTS: There were multiple differences in COOP chart scores among the samples of elderly individuals. The greatest differences were in self-reported physical fitness and in the level of difficulty in performing daily activities. Medical office patients not visiting in 6 months had the highest fitness levels. On the other hand, the "social support" availability scale showed no differences among groups. Results from other scales were intermediate among these extremes. CONCLUSIONS: Different samples of elderly yield varying results on several measures of reported physical and emotional health. All convenience samples of the elderly may have somewhat poorer health than the average person age 65 and older. Of the groups studied, those with the poorest function were either older adults in nursing homes or those visiting the doctor's office for treatment.     

Can a personality construct be validated empirically?

Compared previous studies in which H. A. Murray's needs constructs were measured by the Personality Research Form, Adjective Check List, and/or Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. Analysis shows that the pattern of correlations between one Murray need and other needs, as obtained by one standard measuring instrument, typically has substantial incongruities with the pattern obtained for another such instrument, even when both instruments are administered to the same sample. It is argued that the validation of a construct cannot employ just any standardized test designed to measure it. Construct validation requires the empirical testing of statements derived from the abstract conceptualization about relationships between specified observables. Given the characteristics of standard instruments and of available formulations for common personality concepts, the optimal strategy is the concurrent development of a fresh conceptualization and of measuring operations which form an integrated whole. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Early stopping of prevention trials when multiple outcomes are of interest: a discussion

In large prevention and screening trials, we want to answer multiple questions simultaneously. When monitoring prevention trials with multiple disease outcomes, composite measures may be useful, such as a count of important events, or a comparison of expected mortality. There are advantages to investigating multiple interventions in the same prevention or screening trial, using all-versus-none, factorial, or reciprocal control designs. In these situations it may be important to answer some questions early while others are still being investigated.     

Case Study of an Application of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model to the Forebay of the Dalles Dam, Oregon

A proposal for facilitating the downstream migration of juvenile fish at The Dalles Dam, Ore. calls for blocking the upper 12.3?m of turbine intakes by J-shaped steel panels (blocked trashracks). These trashracks are expected to reduce velocity near the powerhouse that is responsible for entraining juveniles into the turbine intake flow. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model was used to investigate the forebay hydraulics for the existing and proposed configurations of the intakes. Velocity data from a 1:40 scale physical model and a field program were utilized for model validation. In general, agreements between computed velocities and data were within the variability of field measurements. The model results confirmed the development of low velocity zones adjacent to the powerhouse. Further, the flow field created by the proposed trashracks could aid juveniles in swimming to the downstream end of the powerhouse where the fish bypass system is located.     

Developmental changes in the understanding of pictorial representations of sound.

Two studies examined understanding of pictures representing sound production among 112 3–6 yr olds. In Study 1, Ss labeled pictures as either showing sound or not; in Study 2, Ss chose which of a pair of pictures showed sound. Pictures varied as to the extent the representations were designed to be analogous to actual sound production in the environment. Different types of pictorial representation of sound were not equivalent in their ability to evoke a correct interpretation. Ss across the age range tested all understood the pictures that depicted postures associated with sound production in the environment. Pictures that relied on conventional or arbitrary representations of sound, such as lines radiating from a mouth, were less well understood by the younger Ss. Over the preschool years, however, there was substantial improvement in Ss' skill at interpreting these pictures. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adaptation and validation of the Spanish-language Trauma Symptom Inventory in Puerto Rico.

Objective: This research was conducted to assess the Spanish-language Trauma Symptom Inventory's (Briere, 1995) suitability for use with a Puerto Rican sample. Minor revisions were made to the original instrument following a comprehensive appraisal involving a bilingual committee and pilot focus group. The present study outlines the review and adaptation process and examines the psychometric properties of the revised instrument, the Inventario de Síntomas de Trauma-Revisado (IST–R). Method: A sample of 225 students (155 women, 70 men) at the University of Puerto Rico, age 20 to 59 (M = 23.24, SD = 4.69), participated in the validation study. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire; a self-report trauma exposure instrument; and measures of psychological distress, including Spanish-language versions of the Beck Depression Inventory, Symptom Checklist—36, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. Results: Reliability coefficients for the IST–R clinical scales ranged from .69 to .91 (mean α = .84), and correlation coefficients were strongest for scales measuring the same constructs. Factor loadings obtained were consistent with those reported in the literature. Results support the internal consistency and construct validity of the IST–R. Conclusions: Culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment instruments are needed to address the mental health needs of diverse populations. Results from this study provide evidence for the clinical and research promise of the IST–R as a screening tool for trauma-related symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Pharmacology of neurotransmission to the smooth muscle of the rat and the guinea-pig prostate glands

The advantages of customized Laboratory Information Management's Systems (LIMS) are their focus on the special aspects of their users' needs. Differences in the research and development or production chain in the individual organizations lead to an increase of interest in customized systems. Usually, also for customized systems, the core software is commercially available. The individual application modules as the Customized part of the LIMS are the most critical elements within the validation process. The topic of this paper is to give an example of the validation of a customized analytical LIMS. Validation of complex computerized systems guarantees the intended use and is therefore an unavoidable requirement of authorities. The audit of the supplier of the individual programmed modules, the user requirement specifications and the acceptance testing and results, respectively, on the software are of special interest within a customized LIMS. The hardware suitability and the principal processing routines are also a very important part of the whole validation process, but they will not be discussed in detail in this paper.     

Supporting special needs in the mainstream classroom: children's perceptions of the adult role

Inclusion of children with significant special educational needs within the ordinary classroom frequently involves additional human resources. In the UK, specialist teachers and classroom assistants (teachers' aides) are now a regular feature of many classrooms. Their purpose is to provide advice and support to the teacher and/or specifically to assist the child with special educational needs in accessing the mainstream curriculum. There has been little research into the impact of these additional adults on children not designated as having special educational needs, although their attitudes and responses are likely to prove critical to the success of any policy of inclusive education. This study examines the responses of 713 children (ages 7-14+) attending 27 schools in London to questions relating to the role of adults supporting special educational needs (SEN) children in their classrooms and to the social desirability of being singled out for support. The findings suggest that the majority of those responding saw the support being directed towards the teacher's needs. The recognition of pupils' needs was less frequently expressed. The desirability of support became challenged by some children in the upper age range of the sample. Reasons for this and the implications for inclusive education are considered.     

The Comprehensive Object Relations Profile: A preliminary report.

This article reports a study of a newly created instrument designed specifically for the measurement of object relations concepts. The Comprehensive Object Relations Profile (CORP) is a semistructured projective test that asks the subject to respond to specific questions regarding interpersonal vignettes. Each question is designed to tap a particular dimension of object relationships. Three dimensions are measured: object constancy, object integration, and empathy. Validity was assessed by a comparison of three diagnostic groups: schizophrenics, borderlines, and neurotics. Reliability was measured by the interjudge method. The results indicated that the CORP significantly differentiated the three diagnostic groups in the expected direction and that the CORP is a highly reliable instrument. The implications of these results were drawn for both the usefulness of the CORP and the validity of object relations concepts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins and selected antioxidants against TPA-induced hepatic and brain lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, and peritoneal macrophage activation in mice

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of chiropractic patients and to document chiropractic visit rates in 6 sites in the United States and Canada. METHODS: Random samples of chiropractors from 5 US sites and 1 Canadian site were selected. A record abstraction system was developed to obtain demographic and clinical data from office charts. RESULTS: Of the 185 eligible chiropractors sampled, 131 (71%) participated. Sixty-eight percent of the selected charts showed that care was sought for low back pain, while 32% recorded care for other reasons. Spinal manipulative therapy was recorded in 83% of all charts. There was a greater than 2-fold difference in the median number of visits related to low back pain per episode of care across sites. The chiropractic visit rates in the US sites and Ontario are estimated to be 101.2 and 140.9 visits per 100 person-years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The chiropractic use rate in these sites is twice that of estimates made 15 years ago. The great majority of patients receive care for musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck. The number of visits per episode varies appreciably by site.