A critical reanalysis of Hunter, Schmidt, and Coggin's (1988) "Problems and pitfalls in using capital budgeting and financial accounting techniques in assessing the utility of personnel programs."

J. E. Hunter et al. (see record 1989-03387-001) criticized the application of capital budgeting techniques to the evaluation of personnel programs. They argued that many of these methods are often conceptually and logically inappropriate, that they may be logically inapplicable with unintended consequences, and that there is no single correct definition of utility. Three problems with Hunter et al.'s argument are discussed in this article. First, Hunter et al.'s presentation of capital budgeting is inconsistent with widely recognized capital budgeting methods, such as discounting, for the evaluation of personnel programs. Second, Hunter et al. used unrealistic examples constructed to facilitate their critique. Third, Hunter et al.'s argument encourages continued imprecise measurement and presentation of the costs and benefits of personnel programs. In the aggregate, such arguments serve to narrow, rather than broaden, the perspective of personnel psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

加强高校预算和财务分析提高财务管理水平

随着市场经济的发展和高等教育体制改革的进一步深化 ,如何加强财务管理 ,提高办学效益 ,会计理论界和财会工作者已经提出了许多有益的见解 ,并且在实际工作中发挥了重要作用。作者根据多年从事会计工作的经验 ,就加强高等院校预算和财务分析两个环节谈谈加强高校财务管理的看法 ,与大家共同探讨。一、财务预算是高校进行经济活动的前提和依据 ,是加强财务管理的中心环节目前 ,高校财务管理仍然是以预算管理为中心 ,以达到社会效益和经济效益为最大目标的管理体制 ,这就决定了预算在财务管理中处于极其重要的中心地位。预算实质上是高校根据…     

Cryosurgery of the prostate: techniques and pitfalls

The preliminary data on prostate cryosurgery encompass reports only on local recurrence rates. The procedure is too new to report any survival figures. For localized organ-confined disease, the initial reports at 1 year of positive biopsies following cryosurgery range from 8% to 33%. With clinical stage C disease, a review of the literature also shows a range of 16% to 33% for local recurrence at one year. The largest series of patients treated after failure from radiation therapy is from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, which reports a positive biopsy rate of 29% at 6 months. Reports of major complications have included a 2% to 5% incidence of rectourethral fistulas, a 7% to 15% incidence of urinary retention requiring a secondary TURP or prolonged catheter drainage, 2% to 7% incidence of stress incontinence, and a 50% to 80% incidence of impotence. While these overall results may not be optimal to many, they do give us optimism. It is important to recognize that knowledge of the cryosurgical technique is evolving rapidly, and present modifications are not reflected yet in our results. Because hypothermia is a modality proven to cause lethal injury to cancer cells, it would be unfortunate if clinicians dismissed this modality without rigorous review of the surgical technique. The detailed methodology described in this article expedites the learning curve of practicing cryosurgeons and helps to standardize the way cryosurgery is performed.     

On the utility of alternative procedures for assessing psychological androgyny.

S. L. Bem's definition of psychological androgny as the integration of both masculinity and femininity within a single individual obscures a potentially important distinction between those individuals who score high on both masculinity and femininity and those who score low on both. To assess the importance of this distinction, the Bem Sex-Role Inventory was administered to 375 male and 290 female undergraduates, along with a variety of other pencil-and-paper questionnaires, and in addition, the results of Bem's earlier laboratory studies were reanalyzed with the low-low scorers separated out. High-high and low-low scorers did not differ significantly on the Attitudes Toward Women Scale, Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, the Mach IV Scale, or the Attitudes Toward Problem-Solving Scale, nor did they differ significantly in 2 of Bem's 3 previous studies. Nevertheless, low-low scorers were significantly lower in self-esteem (Texas Social Behavior Inventory) than high-high scorers, they displayed significantly less responsiveness toward a kitten, and, among men, they reported significantly less self-disclosure (Jourard's Self-Disclosure Scale). Although the results are not consistent, it is concluded that a distinction between high-high and low-low scorers does seem to be warranted. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Problems and pitfalls with measurement of antibody affinity using solid phase binding in the ELISA

Current methods of estimation of antibody affinity constants using ELISA assume homogeneous binding of antibody to the solid phase, despite many reports in the literature that this is not true. I have derived theoretical antibody binding curves for solid phase antigen assuming homogeneous antibody binding. I have compared these curves with a set of experimental binding curves of monoclonal antibodies to the serum protein fibronectin. The results conclusively show that while some monoclonal antibodies behave as predicted by theory, others show departures from homogeneous binding which can be explained by various surface effects. I have discussed how these surface effects can cause errors in estimates of either liquid phase or solid phase affinities using the ELISA, and have demonstrated the limitations of methods of affinity ranking.     

A plan for integrated programs of personnel research and development.

Describes the administrative organization of the program of personnel research as established in the Navy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The increased construct validity and clinical utility of assessing relationship quality using separate positive and negative dimensions.

The Positive and Negative Quality in Marriage Scale (F. D. Fincham & K. J. Linfield, 1997) is a self-report measure that separately assesses positive and negative dimensions of relationship quality. Fincham and Linfield found that ratings of positive and negative marital quality accounted for unique variance in maladaptive attributions and self-reports of dyadic behavior beyond that accounted for by the Marital Adjustment Test (H. J. Locke & K. M. Wallace, 1959), a widely used measure of marital quality that combines these dimensions. The current study expanded on these findings using a different measure of relationship quality and observed dyadic behavior with a sample of engaged couples (N = 43). The results indicate that a two-dimensional approach to measuring self-evaluations of relationship quality is more informative than a one-dimensional approach during the engagement period. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A note on the economic utility of generalized validity coefficients in personnel selection.

This study compared economic utility estimates that were based on noninteractive, interactive, independent multiplicative, and Taylor Series Approximation (TSA) 1 and 2 validity generalization results for clerical selection procedures at a large international manufacturing company. On the basis of estimates of the mean true validity and lower bound 90% credibility value, magnitude and percentage differences in resulting utility estimates across validity generalization procedures were relatively small for almost all comparisons. Regardless of the specific validity generalization parameter estimate used in estimating a utility value, the change in economic utility, going from the organization's current selection procedure (i.e., a verbal ability test) to an alternative procedure, was sizable in most cases. These results clearly demonstrate the practical similarity in utility terms of alternative validity generalization procedure results as well as the sizable economic value of minimum-level generalized validity coefficients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The utility of measuring the skillfulness of therapeutic techniques.

Discusses the attempts made by researchers to measure the extent to which a given psychotherapeutic technique is carried out and applied skillfully in evaluating the efficacy of a given type of psychotherapy. Such measures are objective and are used in research designs that have generalizability. They also provide an opportunity to test theories of how psychotherapy helps patients. It is asserted that conceptualizing therapist behavior in terms of the specific factors has less of a tendency to perpetuate the therapist "uniformity myth" than conceptualizing therapist behavior in terms of nonspecific factors. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Application of projective techniques in personnel psychology since 1940.

A review of such projective tests as the Rorschach in its several forms, the TAT, the Worthington Personal-History, the Tomkins-Horn Picture Arrangement, and others as they have been applied in studies relating to various personnel problems. The usefulness of the projective instruments is discussed in relation to personnel selection, differentiation between successful and unsuccessful workers, measurement of promotion potential, job satisfaction and adjustment, and identification of vocationally significant personality patterns. It is concluded on the basis of both the methodologies used and the results obtained that there is a need for thorough job specifications in terms of personality traits and extensive use of cross-validation studies before any practical use can be made of projective techniques in personnel psychology. (2 p. ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An epidemiologic method for assessing the effectiveness of hearing conservation programs using audiometric data

A hearing conservation program (HCP) must include audiometric monitoring. In keeping with this requirement, enormous bodies of audiometric data have been accumulated. However, only a limited number of methods are available for using audiometric data to assess HCP effectiveness. This study illustrates an epidemiologic method. The risk of developing hearing loss (measured by the standard threshold shift) was compared between study and reference populations using the risk ratio. The study population had an increased risk of nearly 3-fold. Epidemiologic risk comparison methods, using reference populations, offer an alternative to current methods for HCP evaluation using audiometric data.     

Fairness reactions to personnel selection techniques in France and the United States.

The authors examined the bases for fairness reactions to different selection practices and considered cross-cultural differences in these reactions by comparing respondents from 2 cultures. College students (N?=?259) from France and the United States rated the favorability of 10 selection procedures and then indicated the bases for these reactions on 7 procedural dimensions. Selection decisions based on interviews, work-sample tests, and resumes were perceived favorably in both cultures. Graphology was perceived more favorably in France than in the United States, but even French reactions toward graphology were somewhat negative. The perceived face validity of the selection procedure was the strongest correlate of favorability reactions among both samples. Beyond comparing the results from each culture, the discussion addresses implications for multinational companies establishing selection systems in foreign countries. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Budgetary and personnel support levels of psychology departments offering graduate programs.

The present survey of psychology departments was started in August 1968 to provide comparative data relating to such items as average number of students per staff member, average number of secretaries per staff member, and average dollar support per student. A cover letter and questionnaire were sent to the 226 psychology departments in the US offering graduate programs. Timely and complete responses were received from 104 departments. The most important feature of the present survey was the wide variability in support levels of psychology departments. While there was considerable variance on most items, it was of interest that there were no differences as a function of geographic region. Cursory examination with regard to breakdown by athletic conferences, for example, Big Ten, Big Eight, etc., also indicates no large discrepancies with regard to critical items involving number of students per staff member, support per student, etc. The present survey, in addition to providing a comparative base for department heads, may prove helpful to students examining graduate programs and to candidates interviewing for academic positions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A note on the success ratio and the utility of fixed hiring rate personnel selection decisions.

Using simple simulation methods, the author verifies that the formulas used to estimate both the expected success ratio of a selection and the expected average criterion score of the selectees overestimate the real gain one may expect to obtain when hiring a preestablished proportion of employees from a finite sample of applicants. To correct for this deficiency, the present article shows how an exact estimate of the expected payoff can be obtained. In addition, it indicates how the new approach can be used to assess the sampling variability of the utility estimates. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multidimensional assessment of criminal recidivism: Problems, pitfalls, and proposed solutions.

All states have statutes in place to civilly commit individuals at high risk for violence. The authors address difficulties in assessing such risk but use as an example the task of predicting sexual violence recidivism; the principles espoused here generalize to predicting all violence. As part of the commitment process, mental health professionals, who are often psychologists, evaluate an individual's risk of sexual recidivism. It is common for professionals conducting these risk assessments to use several actuarial risk prediction instruments (i.e., psychological tests). These tests rarely demonstrate close agreement in the risk figures they provide. Serious epistemological and psychometric problems in the multivariate assessment of recidivism risk are pointed out. Sound psychometric, or in some cases heuristic, solutions to these problems are proffered, in the hope of improving clinical practice. The authors focus on how to make these tests' outputs commensurable and discuss various ways to combine them in coherent, justifiable fashions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Current and emergent applications of neuropsychological assessment: Problems of validity and utility.

The author argues that the knowledge base in support of applying neuropsychological data to the assessment of functional competence and rehabilitation potential is not extensive. Clinical neuropsychology will have to develop new assessment concepts and methods. Reasons for the shift from a neurodiagnostic to a functional emphasis are reviewed. The author proposes a simple framework whereby assessment is referenced to different problems: medical, ecological, and rehabilitative. Within this framework, assessments vary in terms of validity and utility. Empirical examples are given to illustrate weaknesses in traditional assessment approaches. These weaknesses are analyzed in light of recent research and the implications of a problem-referenced strategy for the future development of clinical and professional neuropsychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Admission requirements, acceptance rates, and financial assistance in clinical psychology programs: Diversity across the practice-research continuum.

129 directors (80% response) of APA-accredited clinical psychology programs provided information pertaining to admission requirements, acceptance rates, financial assistance, and theoretical orientations. Summary data are presented and comparisons are made among 4 types of clinical programs: PsyD programs, practice-oriented PhD programs, equal-emphasis PhD programs, and research-oriented PhD programs. Clinical doctoral programs held similar expectations for undergraduate preparation in psychology, but robust differences emerged on preferred Graduate Record Examination scores, acceptance rates, and financial assistance. In the most extreme comparison (PsyD vs research-oriented PhD programs), students were 4 times more likely to gain acceptance but 6 times less likely to receive full financial assistance in PsyD programs. Implications of these results for potential graduate students and for the future of applied psychology programs are briefly discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The validity and utility of selection methods in personnel psychology: Practical and theoretical implications of 85 years of research findings.

This article summarizes the practical and theoretical implications of 85 years of research in personnel selection. On the basis of meta-analytic findings, this article presents the validity of 19 selection procedures for predicting job performance and training performance and the validity of paired combinations of general mental ability (GMA) and the 18 other selection procedures. Overall, the 3 combinations with the highest multivariate validity and utility for job performance were GMA plus a work sample test (mean validity of .63), GMA plus an integrity test (mean validity of .65), and GMA plus a structured interview (mean validity of .63). A further advantage of the latter 2 combinations is that they can be used for both entry level selection and selection of experienced employees. The practical utility implications of these summary findings are substantial. The implications of these research findings for the development of theories of job performance are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Identifying efficiently and economically operated hospitals: the prospects and pitfalls of applying frontier regression techniques

This article examines whether policy makers can make immediate use of recently developed frontier regression techniques to identify efficient hospitals primarily for rate setting purposes. This new approach is applied to data on Florida hospitals for the period 1982-1993 to appraise how well it performs in gauging variations in hospital costs and efficiency. This appraisal suggests that frontier methods are quite promising, but that they may not yield sufficiently unambiguous results to serve the short-term needs of hospital regulators interested in scaling reimbursement rates to the efficiency with which hospitals deliver services. Other policy-relevant strengths and weaknesses of frontier techniques are also discussed.     

Dimensions of therapeutic skills and techniques: Empirical identification, therapist correlates, and predictive utility.

Administered a 99-item questionnaire to 319 practicing psychotherapists (mean age 43.9 yrs) from 3 professional associations to assess their use of therapeutic techniques and skills as related to the variables of orientation, experience, sex, and personal psychotherapy. The predictive utility of reported interventions in classifying psychotherapists according to orientation was also examined. Principal component analyses yielded 13 scales. Reported therapy interventions varied as a function of the therapist's orientation and, to a lesser extent, as a function of experience, sex, and personal therapy. Eclectics had either the highest or 2nd-highest mean scores on each of the 13 scales, indicating a varied therapeutic arsenal. Across therapist variables, relationship-enhancing behaviors were reportedly most frequently used; flooding and frustration procedures least frequently used. On the basis of 11 scale scores, 90% of behavior therapists and 88% of psychodynamic therapists were correctly classified, but fewer than half of the eclectics were correctly classified. (62 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)