Youth independent living assessment: testing the equivalence of web and paper/pencil versions of the Ansell–Casey Life Skills Assessment

This study compared a paper-and-pencil and a web-based (i.e. Internet) version of the Ansell–Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA) for mode equivalence. Youth (n=97) completed an age-appropriate ACLSA version in both formats, administered in a repeated measures, counterbalanced design. No significant main effects between modes of administration emerged. However, higher scores were achieved on the second administration regardless of format. These findings demonstrate the equivalence of Internet and paper-and-pencil formats for all three ACLSA levels and a predictable learning effect across the first and second testings.     

Insuring sample equivalence across internet and paper-and-pencil assessments

Internet-based data collection is becoming an increasingly popular method of conducting psychological research. A growing number of studies have investigated the equivalence of data collected over the Internet and data gathered using traditional assessment methods. Many of these studies, however, have had methodological limitations such as using non-equivalent comparison groups and inappropriate data analytic strategies. In this study, 213 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to complete attractiveness ratings via traditional paper-and-pencil methods or through an Internet site; data were analyzed using equivalency testing methodology. Results indicated that mean ratings of physical and sexual attractiveness between the two conditions were equivalent for the full sample. However, when examined separately by respondent gender, ratings of same gender targets were significantly higher for the paper-and-pencil methodology. Implications are discussed.     

Internet administration of self-report measures commonly used in research on social anxiety disorder: A psychometric evaluation

The Internet has become increasingly popular as a way to administer self-report questionnaires, especially in the field of Internet delivered psychological treatments. Collecting questionnaire data over the Internet has advantages, such as ease of administration, and automated scoring. However, psychometric properties cannot be assumed to be identical to the paper-and-pencil versions. The aim of this study was to test the equivalence of paper-and-pencil and Internet administered versions of self-report questionnaires used in social phobia research. We analyzed data from two trials in which samples were recruited in a similar manner. One sample (N = 64) completed the paper-and-pencil version of questionnaires and the second sample (N = 57) completed the same measures online. We included the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale-self-assessment (LSAS-SR), the Social Interaction and Anxiety Scale (SIAS), and the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) as measures of social anxiety. Also included were the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-self-assessment (MADRS-S), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI). Results showed equivalent psychometric properties across administration formats. Cronbach’s α ranged between 0.77 and 0.94. There was an indication of a somewhat higher construct validity when participants filled out questionnaires using paper-and-pencil. We conclude that the LSAS-SR, SIAS, and SPS can be administered via the Internet with maintained psychometric properties.     

Computerized versus standard personality measures: Equivalency, computer anxiety, and gender differences

Undergraduate students were administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Purpose in Life Test (PIL) in either paper-and-pencil or computer-administered format. Prior to administration, all subjects completed the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Phobos Mathematics Anxiety Inventory (PHOBOS) in their original paper-and-pencil formats. For those subjects who received the personality tests via computer administration, high CARS scores were associated with higher BDI scores and lower PIL scores, even when state, trait, and mathematics anxiety were partialled out. The results suggest that standardized normative distributions on personality tests may not be applicable to computerized personality tests (CPT).     

Computerized versus standard personality measures: Equivalency,computer anxiety,and gender differences

Undergraduate students were administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Purpose in Life Test (PIL) in either paper-and-pencil or computer-administered format. Prior to administration, all subjects completed the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Phobos Mathematics Anxiety Inventory (PHOBOS) in their original paper-and-pencil formats. For those subjects who received the personality tests via computer administration, high CARS scores were associated with higher BDI scores and lower PIL scores, even when state, trait, and mathematics anxiety were partialled out. The results suggest that standardized normative distributions on personality tests may not be applicable to computerized personality tests (CPT).     

From paper to pixels: A comparison of paper and computer formats in psychological assessment

Internet based data collection methods have many advantages for psychological assessment when compared with more traditional paper formats, including, reduced costs, and greater convenience for both the researcher and the participant. However, prior to the wide-spread adoption of these methods, equivalence with paper tests formats must be established. The present study compared questionnaire data from the computer with that from a traditional paper format in a sample of college students both directly and through an opinion survey. Three types of questionnaires that represent distinct areas commonly assessed in psychological research included: quality of life (SF-36), depression (BDI-II) and personality (NEO). A within-subjects design counterbalanced order across the computer and paper formats. Overall the findings showed no differences for the Neuroticism and Extraversion facts of the NEO, for the BDI and for the subscales and composite scores of the SF-36. Significant differences were found between the paper and computer formats for the Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness facets of the NEO. Additionally, the computer was perceived to be convenient, user-friendly, comfortable, and secure. Results suggest that a computerized format is an efficient way to conduct quality of life research, especially for the assessment of distress levels and quality of life.     

Is this the wave of the future? Examining the psychometric properties of child behavior ratings administered online

Online data collection is increasingly utilized in the field of psychology. While there is a growing literature regarding the advantages of computer-based data collection, little is known regarding the psychometric comparability of measures across computer-based and traditional paper-and-pencil administration methods. This is especially true with regard to caregiver-report ratings of children’s behavioral, academic, and emotional functioning. In this between-subjects study, the psychometric properties of caregiver behavioral, academic, and emotional functioning ratings for youth between the ages of 5 and 18 representing a mixed clinical sample were compared across computer-based (online group; n = 3831) and paper-and-pencil (P&P group; n = 514) administration formats. Groups differed on sex, age, and rater education distributions. Controlling for these variables, no statistically significant differences between groups were found in terms of symptomatology. In terms of psychometric characteristics, no group differences were found on inter-item reliability for any measure, and inter-item reliability for all scales across groups fell within the acceptable range. Similarly, comparisons of factor loadings across groups indicate marked consistency in the psychometric structure of all measures across administration formats. These results suggest that, regardless of administration method, the psychometric properties of caregiver ratings of childrens’ behavioral, academic, and emotional functioning remain consistent.     

Equivalency of computer-assisted and paper-and-pencil administered versions of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2

The literature on computer-assisted and paper-and-pencil administered Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventories (MMPIs) was reviewed. Both computer-assisted and paper-and-pencil administered formats for the MMPI-2 were then investigated. Results found the two formats to be quite comparable. Neither the validity nor the clinical scales differed by format in terms of means and standard deviations. Groups also showed homogeneity of variance across formats. Test-retest reliabilities between the two formats were significant and compared favorably with those reported for repeated paper-and-pencil testings. Stability of high-point codes appeared comparable with past research. Equivalence concerning the presence or absence of clinical elevations across the two formats appeared quite good, showing 92–97% agreement. Subjects expressed preference for the computer-assisted format, reporting more comfort with its pace and that they found it more interesting, less difficult, and more enjoyable. Results suggested that the absence of an overt ‘cannot say’ option may be the optimum presentation choice for this scale.     

Social Media Burnout: Definition,Measurement Instrument,and Why We Care

Social media users have shown several burnout symptoms lately. In this research, we study the social media burnout issue from three perspectives, including a user’s ambivalence, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization. Building on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), we designed a new scale to measure a user’s social media burnout. Using social media continuance as an example, we investigated the effects of social media burnout on a user’s post-adoption intention. We find that ambivalence, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization can all significantly negatively influence a user’s social media continuance.     

Who are problematic internet users? An investigation of the correlations between problematic internet use and shyness,loneliness, narcissism,aggression and self-perception

This study investigated correlations between university students’ problematic internet use behaviors and shyness, narcissism, loneliness, aggression and self-perception. The participants were 424 students attending seven different faculties of a public university in Turkey; 215 were female and 209 male. Student’s ages ranged between 17 and 23, with a mean of 18.69. The Problematic Internet Use Scale, Shyness Scale, Narcissistic Personality Inventory, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Aggression Questionnaire, Social Comparison Scale and a Personal Data Form were used for data collection. Correlation analysis results showed positive associations between problematic internet use and shyness and aggression. No statistically significant correlation was determined between problematic internet use and narcissism, loneliness or self-perception. The results demonstrate that individuals who are problematic users are shier and more aggressive. Shyness and aggression emerged as significant antecedent variables of problematic internet use. Suggestions are made for further studies in the light of these findings.     

Raw data extraction from electrocardiograms with Portable Document Format

During the last two decades there has been a thorough research and development of standards and protocols in order to cope with different electrocardiogram formats from heterogeneous acquisition systems. Despite the efforts of public and private consortiums on creating a standardized electrocardiogram (ECG) storage format, there is still not a single one. Indeed, there is also the necessity of access to raw data of the ECGs previously acquired. Most of these documents have been saved as Adobe PDF files, since for medical staff it is an easy format for later visualization. However, this format presents difficulties when trying to access original raw data for subsequent studies and signal analysis. In this manner, this paper presents an application that obtains plain numerical data from ECG files stored with PDF format. Data can also be exported to one of the most common file formats in existence, to be easily accessed thereafter.     

多源空间数据的共享与集成模式研究

在研究现有多格式空间数据共享与集成模式的基础上,借鉴通用数据访问(UniversalDataAccess,UDA)技术为传统多源数据提供通用数据访问的思路,作者提出了基于通用空间数据引擎(UniversalSpatialDataEngine,USDE)的空间数据共享与集成模式。通用空间数据引擎由数据引擎管理器及相应的一系列数据引擎构成,其中数据引擎管理器负责数据引擎的智能调用,并为客户GIS软件提供统一的数据访问接口;各数据引擎负责对具体数据访问接口的实现。利用COM技术,作者设计出了基于目前几种流行的GIS数据格式的USDE,并成功地实现了对几种不同格式空间数据的集成应用。     

The moderating effect of organizational commitment on burnout in information systems professionals

The study examines the moderating role of organizational commitment on the relationship between role stressors and burnout in information systems (IS) professionals. Two role stressors are examined in this study – role ambiguity and role conflict. In addition, two dimensions of organizational commitment – affective and continuance commitment – are examined for their moderating influence. The emotional exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory is used to measure burnout in 312 IS professionals. Both role stressors were found to correlate positively with burnout. In addition, affective commitment was found to moderate the relationship between role stressors and burnout. Therefore, in employees with high affective commitment, role stressors had a lesser effect on burnout. This study, therefore, supports the argument that commitment acts as a buffer against stress and its antecedents.     

Does survey format influence self-disclosure on sensitive question items?

Although there are advantages for use of internet based survey research over other formats, there remains in question whether survey mode influences the data measurement equivalency. While most research exploring survey format finds little or no difference in measurement equivalency, the interaction of sensitive topics and survey modality is not fully understood. Additionally, research suggests gender differences in item response on sensitive topics. The present study examined archival data from a college health survey using both online and paper-pencil survey formats. The interaction was evaluated between gender, survey format, and item sensitivity level. Results indicate that question topic sensitivity has a large effect on missing data, and survey format has a moderate effect. These findings have necessary implications for survey design and outcome interpretations.     

Equivalency of Microtest computer MMPI administration for standard and special scales

This study examined the equivalence of the Microtest computer version of MMPI administration with traditional paper-pencil MMPI administration procedures. Eighty community volunteers were administered the MMPI twice under one of four conditions: computer-computer, traditional-traditional, computer-traditional, or traditional-computer. No significant differences were found between administration formats for means and standard deviations for the regularly scored validity and clinical scales and for 27 additional special scales. The rank-order of scores and the test-retest reliability for the computer format were found to be similar to the test-retest correlations for the traditional version. In general, the findings offer tentative support for the equivalency of Microtest and traditional MMPI administration procedures. However, post hoc evaluation of power indicates that conclusions regarding equivalency of the two administration formats must be tempered by the less than adequate statistical power for some of the analyses, particulary those associated with examination of test-retest correlation data. The issue of power has been ignored in previous computer equivalency studies and the current findings emphasize the need to consider this issue in future research planning and reporting.     

The effects of computer versus paper-and-pencil administration on measures of anger and revenge with an inmate population

A current issue in personality assessment is whether computer versions of personality tests are psychometrically equivalent to paper-and-pencil originals. A total of 52 male inmates were randomly assigned to computer or paper-and-pencil administration conditions. The following measures were administered to the inmates in either computer or paper-and-pencil formats: the trait section of the State-Trait Personality Inventory (Spielberger et al., 1979), the Anger Expression Scale (Spielberger et al., 1986), the Belief Scale (Malouff & Schutte, 1986), and the Vengeance Scale (Stuckless & Goranson, 1992). No mean or variance differences were found indicating that computer and paper-and-pencil versions of these instruments are essentially equivalent. Analyses which examined the effects of computer anxiety, preference for computer administration and social desirability also indicated equivalency. The findings of this study, although indicating the equivalency of a number of measures, do not support the use of computer versions of other paper-and-pencil instruments without prior demonstration of their equivalency with the population of interest. The pervasive social desirability contamination found in this study brings into question the validity of assessments of incarcerated individuals regardless of administration modality.     

GPRS在电能质量实时监测系统中的应用

在电能质量实时监测系统中,由于电能质量的数据量大,监测范围广,传统的数据通信方式已满足不了系统实时性的要求。本文提出了基于GPRS的电能质量实时监测数据通信的新方案,该方案利用GPRS的Internet接入功能,在Internet上设置一通信服务器,负责中转主站与GPRS终端设备之间的通信,实现数据的实时采集与传输,应用结果表明该方案的有效性。     

Measurement invariance in training evaluation: Old question, new context

Technological advances that have been put to use by organizations have not escaped the training domain. With the shift towards computer-mediated surveys, training evaluations have been converted from traditional paper-and-pencil formats to Web-based environments. This begs the question as to whether or not these modalities are equivalent. Accordingly, this study examined the item functioning of parallel Web-based training evaluations and traditional paper-and-pencil evaluations of a training intervention. Item response theory (IRT) analyses revealed few differences between how an individual would respond to particular items (i.e., differential item functioning) regardless of the modality employed to complete a training evaluation. This provides evidence for the equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computer-mediated training evaluations.     

ERP系统中软件可靠性数据的收集与分析

软件可靠性研究已有四十多年的历史 ,近百个软件可靠性模型被建立起来。然而作为软件可靠性建模基础的可靠性数据在国内外文献中却不多见。软件可靠性数据是一切软件可靠性研究活动的基础 ,其重要性不言而喻。在ERP项目运行中收集了一批可靠性数据 ,分析这些数据发现 ,各类软件错误产生是有先后顺序的     

低数据量环境下物联网密钥管理算法与方案设计

为了提高低数据量环境下物联网密钥的安全性与可靠性,需要对低数据量环境下物联网密钥管理算法以及密钥管理方案进行设计研究;使用当前管理算法对低数据量环境下物联网密钥进行管理时,在物联网网络节点增加到一定数量的情况下,无法保证低数据环境下物联网的安全性与可靠性;为此,提出一种基于LHKE的低数据量环境物联网密钥管理算法与方案设计方法;该算法是由当前算法为基础结合Qoskm算法优点形成的一种新的低数据量环境下物联网密钥算法,此算法将设立两个相同的低数据量密钥树,通过计算组播成员在物联网上的信任度与安全度,将信任度与安全度较高的组播成员放在一棵低数据量密钥树上,其他的组播成员放在另一棵低数据量密钥树上,再通过LHKE算法的初始化、子密钥生成和网络密钥生成3个阶段,对低数据量环境下物联网密钥进行管理;实验仿真证明,所提算法提高了低数据量环境下物联网密钥的安全性与可靠性。