Dimension and exercise variance in assessment center scores: A large-scale evaluation of multitrait-multimethod studies.

This study addresses 3 questions regarding assessment center construct validity: (1) Are assessment center ratings best thought of as reflecting dimension constructs (dimension model), exercises (exercise model), or a combination? (2) To what extent do dimensions or exercises account for variance? (3) Which design characteristics increase dimension variance? To this end, a large set of multitrait-multimethod studies ( N=34) were analyzed, showing that assessment center ratings were best represented (i.e., in terms of fit and admissible solutions) by a model with correlated dimensions and exercises specified as correlated uniquenesses. In this model, dimension variance equals exercise variance. Significantly more dimension variance was found when fewer dimensions were used and when assessors were psychologists. Use of behavioral checklists, a lower dimension-exercise ratio, and similar exercises also increased dimension variance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A meta-analytic evaluation of the impact of dimension and exercise factors on assessment center ratings.

Two recent reviews have attempted to summarize findings quantitatively regarding assessment center (AC) construct-related validity (i.e., Lance, Lambert, Gewin, Lievens, & Conway, 2004; Lievens & Conway, 2001). Unlike these previous studies, which reanalyzed individual multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) matrices from previously published research, the authors recoded and combined past matrices into a single MTMM matrix. This matrix, comprised of 6 dimensions each measured by 6 exercises, was then analyzed, providing a more generalizable set of results. Both dimensions and exercises were found to contribute substantially to AC ratings. Specific dimensions (i.e., communication, influencing others, organizing and planning, and problem solving) appeared more construct valid than others (i.e., consideration/awareness of others and drive). Implications for AC design and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Internal structure of a measure of self-efficacy in physical activity among high school students

The preliminary development of a measure of self-efficacy to participate in vigorous physical activity when confronted with specific perceived barriers to physical activity is described. Measures used in previous research ([Hofstetter, C.R., Hovell, M.F., Sallis, J.F., 1990a. Social learning correlates of exercise self-efficacy: Early experiences with physical activity, Social Science and Medicine, 31, 1169-1176.]; [Hofstetter, C.R., Sallis, J.F., Hovell, M.F., 1990b. Some health dimensions of self-efficacy: Analysis of theoretical specificity, Social Science and Medicine, 31, 1051-1056.]; [Reynolds, K.D., Killen, J.D., Bryson, M.S., Maron, D.J., Taylor, C.B., Maccoby, N., Farquhar, J.W., 1990. Psychosocial predictors of physical activity in adolescents, Preventive Medicine, 19, 541-551.]; [Sallis, J.F., Pinski, R.B., Grossman, R.M., Patterson, T.L., Nader, P.R., 1988. The development of self-efficacy scales for health-related diet and exercise behaviors, Health Education Research, 3, 283-292.]) were adapted and original items were developed. The 20-item measure has a 5-point Likert format ranging from not at all confident (1) to very confident (5). An earlier pilot study of 200 secondary school students showed that the measure was free of social desirability. The data were derived from a survey of 1041 secondary school students from a Metropolitan Toronto board of education. Principal component analysis (PCA) with oblique rotation of the data yielded two factors: self-efficacy to overcome external barriers and self-efficacy to overcome internal barriers. The 12-item external barriers subscale had a coefficient alpha of 0.88 and the 8-item internal barriers subscale had a coefficient alpha of 0.87. The subscales significantly correlated with the frequency of participation in vigorous physical activity. In summary, the results provide some support for the internal consistency reliability, construct validity, criterion validity, and discriminant validity of the measure. Though further psychometric research is warranted, the self-efficacy measure shows promise for physical activity research.     

Electrophysiological markers of visual dimension changes and response changes.

In cross-dimensional visual search tasks, target discrimination is faster when the previous trial contained a target defined in the same visual dimension as the current trial. The dimension-weighting account (DWA; A. Found & H. J. Müller, 1996) explains this intertrial facilitation by assuming that visual dimensions are weighted at an early perceptual stage of processing. Recently, this view has been challenged by models claiming that intertrial facilitation effects are generated at later stages that follow attentional target selection (K. Mortier, J. Theeuwes, & P. A. Starreveld, 2005). To determine whether intertrial facilitation is generated at a perceptual stage, at the response selection stage, or both, the authors focused on specific event-related brain potential components (directly linkable to perceptual and response-related processing) during a compound search task. Visual dimension repetitions were mirrored by shorter latencies and enhanced amplitudes of the N2-posterior- contralateral, suggesting a facilitated allocation of attentional resources to the target. Response repetitions and changes systematically modulated the lateralized readiness potential amplitude, suggesting a benefit from residual activations of the previous trial biasing the correct response. Overall, the present findings strengthen the DWA by indicating a perceptual origin of dimension change costs in visual search. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Measuring motivations for intercollegiate athlete alcohol use: A confirmatory factor analysis of the Drinking Motives Measure.

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Drinking Motives Measure (DMM) on a sample of 227 collegiate athletes. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the 4-factor structure of the DMM provided a better fit than either 2- or 1-factor models, but the overall fit of the 4-factor model was moderate at best. A revised 3-factor model consistent with prior research (M. L. Cooper, M. Russell, J. B. Skinner, & M. Windle, 1992) provided the best fit. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that the 3 DMM factors included in the revised model accounted for 17%-21% of the unique variance on alcohol consumption variables. Results provide preliminary evidence supporting the internal consistency, construct validity, and convergent validity of the revised 3-factor DMM with collegiate athletes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Do smokers know what we're talking about? The construct validity of nicotine dependence questionnaire measures.

Few studies have examined whether nicotine dependence self-report questionnaires can predict specific behaviors and symptoms at specific points in time. The present study used data from a randomized clinical trial (N = 608; M. E. Piper et al., 2007) to assess the construct validity of scales and items from 3 nicotine dependence measures: the Fagerstr?m Test for Nicotine Dependence (T. F. Heatherton, L. T. Kozlowski, R. C. Frecker & K.-O. Fagerstr?m, 1991), the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (S. Shiffman, A. J. Waters, & M. Hickcox, 2004), and the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (M. E. Piper et al., 2004). Scales from these measures were used to predict participants' reports on real-time measures of withdrawal symptoms and smoking behavior and retrospective self-report questionnaires to assess convergent and discriminative validity. The nicotine dependence measures' scales and items generally predicted the real-time measures of similar constructs, but the percent of variance accounted for was low. The nicotine dependence measures did, however, show evidence of discriminative validity. Thus, this study provides modest support for the construct validity of these nicotine dependence scales. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multiplicative validity generalization model: Accuracy of estimates as a function of sample size and mean, variance, and shape of distribution of true validities.

Used simulation techniques to study the accuracy of estimates of the mean, variance, and lower credibility value of true validities produced by the independent multiplicative model and by a modified dependent model that takes the correlation between range restriction and criterion reliability artifacts into account. Sample sizes (n?=?50 or 100) and the number of studies/analyses (50) were selected to be consistent with the typical parameters found in 129 validity generalization analyses. The mean, standard deviation, and shape of the true validity distributions were systematically varied. It is concluded that the independent and modified dependent estimates were typically accurate, although the credibility estimates were affected by the extremely skewed distributions. The mean and variance estimates from both models were not affected by distribution shape. Results support the applicability of the 1st 2 authors' (see record 1981-27033-001) models and F. L. Schmidt and J. E. Hunter's (see record 1978-11448-001) noninteractive model. Some limitations of the "bare-bones" sampling-error-only approach are noted. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Modeling Error Variance in Job Specification Ratings: The Influence of Rater, Job, and Organization-Level Factors.

The authors modeled sources of error variance in job specification ratings collected from 3 levels of raters across 5 organizations (N=381). Variance components models were used to estimate the variance in ratings attributable to true score (variance between knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics [KSAOs]) and error (KSAO-by-rater and residual variance). Subsequent models partitioned error variance into components related to the organization, position level, and demographic characteristics of the raters. Analyses revealed that the differential ordering of KSAOs by raters was not a function of these characteristics but rather was due to unexplained rating differences among the raters. The implications of these results for job specification and validity transportability are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

How will we know a lapse when we see one?: Comment on Leri and Stewart (2002).

The article by F. Leri and J. Stewart (see record 2002-06535-001) addresses the validity of animal models of relapse in a more sophisticated manner than does much prior research. These researchers have shown that drug self-administration can be influenced by the presence of drug contingent cues as well as by active self-administration versus passive infusion of "lapse" doses. This research also leads to additional questions about the external validity of animal relapse models. Current relapse models may lack validity because of the parameters of drug exposure, because abstinence is imposed on the organism, and because there is no motivational influence that counters resumption of drug self-administration. F. Leri and J. Stewart's (2002) article encourages a more thorough assessment of the motivational context of relapse models. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessor Cognitive Processes in an Operational Assessment Center.

The purpose of this study was (a) to provide additional tests of C. E. Lance, Newbolt, et al.'s (2000) situational specificity (vs. method bias) interpretation of exercise effects on assessment center postexercise dimension ratings and (b) to provide competitive tests of salient dimension versus general impression models of assessor within-exercise evaluations of candidate performance. Results strongly support the situational specificity hypothesis and the general impression model of assessor cognitive processes in which assessors first form overall evaluations of candidate performance that then drive more specific dimensional ratings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prediction of obligatory exercise by exercise-related imagery.

Obligatory exercise is a compulsive behavior pattern in which exercise dominates daily life at the expense of other activities and lack of exercise produces withdrawal symptoms. This study examined the hypothesis that obligatory exercise is motivated similarly to eating disorders (cf. S. P. Coen & B. M. Ogles, 1993) and would be predicted by appearance-related imagery. Obligatory exercise (J. K. Thompson & L. Pasman, 1991) and exercise imagery (H. A. Hausenblas, C. R. Hall, W. M. Rodgers, & K. J. Munroe, 199) were assessed before and after a 10-week exercise program in 243 adult exercises. Regression analyses revealed that imagery accounted for 20% of the variance in obligatory exercise. Appearance-related imagery did not predict significantly obligatory exercise. Energy-related imagery was the strongest predictor. Obligatory exercise may not be as associated with appearance-related concerns as eating disorders, suggesting different motivational bases for these 2 behavioral patterns. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Enhancing target variance in personality impressions: Highlighting the person in person perception.

D. A. Kenny (1994) estimated the components of personality rating variance to be 15, 20, and 20% for target, rater, and relationship, respectively. To enhance trait variance and minimize rater variance, we designed a series of studies of personality perception in discussion groups (N?=?79, 58, and 59). After completing a Big Five questionnaire, participants met 7 times in small groups. After Meetings 1 and 7, group members rated each other. By applying the Social Relations Model (D. A. Kenny and L. La Voie, 1984) to each Big Five dimension at each point in time, we were able to evaluate 6 rating effects as well as rating validity. Among the findings were that (a) target variance was the largest component (almost 30%), whereas rater variance was small (less than 11%); (b) rating validity improved significantly with acquaintance, although target variance did not; and (c) no reciprocity was found, but projection was significant for Agreeableness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Koch曲线与分维测量

通过构造Koch曲线岛对剖面小岛法测得的分维的准确性和可靠性进行了研究,并研究了Koch曲线岛的初始边长、形状和嵌套层次等构造因素对分维测量的影响.结果表明,剖面小岛法不适合于作为纳米度域的分维测量方法.     

Two new procedures for studying validity generalization.

Several Monte Carlo studies examined the accuracy of 2 new procedures in estimating population true validity mean and variance. Results indicate that 1 of the new procedures provided slightly more accurate estimates than the procedures of F. L. Schmidt and J. E. Hunter (see record 1978-11448-001) and J. C. Callender and H. G. Osburn (see record 1981-00257-001). From a practical point of view, however, the estimates from the various procedures were quite comparable. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analytic methods for seed models with genotype x environment interactions

Genetic models with genotype effect (G) and genotype x environment interaction effect (GE) are proposed for analyzing generation means of seed quantitative traits in crops. The total genetic effect (G) is partitioned into seed direct genetic effect (G0), cytoplasm genetic of effect (C), and maternal plant genetic effect (Gm). Seed direct genetic effect (G0) can be further partitioned into direct additive (A) and direct dominance (D) genetic components. Maternal genetic effect (Gm) can also be partitioned into maternal additive (Am) and maternal dominance (Dm) genetic components. The total genotype x environment interaction effect (GE) can also be partitioned into direct genetic by environment interaction effect (G0E), cytoplasm genetic by environment interaction effect (CE), and maternal genetic by environment interaction effect (GmE). G0E can be partitioned into direct additive by environment interaction (AE) and direct dominance by environment interaction (DE) genetic components. GmE can also be partitioned into maternal additive by environment interaction (AmE) and maternal dominance by environment interaction (DmE) genetic components. Partitions of genetic components are listed for parent, F1, F2 and backcrosses. A set of parents, their reciprocal F1 and F2 seeds is applicable for efficient analysis of seed quantitative traits. MINQUE(0/1) method can be used for estimating variance and covariance components. Unbiased estimation for covariance components between two traits can also be obtained by the MINQUE(0/1) method. Random genetic effects in seed models are predictable by the Adjusted Unbiased Prediction (AUP) approach with MINQUE(0/1) method. The jackknife procedure is suggested for estimation of sampling variances of estimated variance and covariance components and of predicted genetic effects, which can be further used in a t-test for parameter. Unbiasedness and efficiency for estimating variance components and predicting genetic effects are tested by Monte Carlo simulations.     

Stabilized memory of unrehearsed knowledge.

The findings of M. A. Conway et al (see record 1992-14586-001) confirm that stabilized retention functions for unrehearsed academic knowledge are not an artifact of grade inflation as D. L. Hintzman (in press) has alleged. The Conway et al data confirm that retention of unrehearsed knowledge may stabilize at the terminal level achieved during acquisition and that metacognitive confidence may decline during periods of stable retention. Low predictive power of grades for retention reported by Conway et al is attributed to the nonhierarchical knowledge structures used in their investigation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Irrelevant Sound Phenomenon Revisited: What Role for Working Memory Capacity?

High-span individuals (as measured by the operation span [OSPAN] technique) are less likely than low-span individuals to notice their own names in an unattended auditory stream (A. R. A. Conway, N. Cowan, & M. F. Bunting, 2001). The possibility that OSPAN accounts for individual differences in auditory distraction on an immediate recall test was examined. There was no evidence that high-OSPAN participants were more resistant to the disruption caused by irrelevant speech in serial or in free recall. Low-OSPAN participants did, however, make more semantically related intrusion errors from the irrelevant sound stream in a free recall test (Experiment 4). Results suggest that OSPAN mediates semantic components of auditory distraction dissociable from other aspects of the irrelevant sound effect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Separating perceptual and decisional attention processes in the identification and categorization of integral-dimension stimuli.

Four observers performed matching, identification, and categorization with stimuli that varied along the integral dimensions: brightness and saturation. General recognition theory (F. G. Ashby & J. T. Townsend, 1986) was applied to quantify the separate influences of perceptual and decisional processes within and across tasks, with a focus on separating perceptual from decisional attention processes. Good accounts of the identification data were obtained from perceptual matching representation. This perceptual representation provided a good account of the categorization data, except when decisional selective attention to 1 stimulus dimension was required. Decisional selective attention reduced the attended-dimension perceptual variance relative to the unattended-dimension perceptual variance, with a larger reduction resulting when brightness, as opposed to saturation was attended. Implications for color vision research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Proactive Personality Scale and objective job performance among real estate agents.

A sample of 131 real estate agents was used to examine the criterion validity of the Proactive Personality Scale (T. S. Bateman & J. M. Crant, 1993). A job performance index was computed for each agent from archival records of the number of houses sold, number of listings obtained, and commission income over a 9-month period. Experience, social desirability, general mental ability, and 2 of the Big Five factors—Conscientiousness and Extraversion—were controlled for, and the Proactive Personality Scale explained an additional 8% of the variance in the objective measure of agents' job performance. These results provide additional evidence for the criterion validity of the Proactive Personality Scale and suggest that specific personality measures can have incremental validity over the Big Five factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Exercise duration and mood state: How much is enough to feel better?

The effects of exercise duration on mood state were examined. In a repeated-measures design, the Profile of Mood States inventory (D. M. McNair, M. Lorr, & L. F. Droppleman, 1971) was administered before and after 1 quiet resting trial and 3 exercise trials of 10, 20, and 30 min on a bicycle ergometer. Heart rate levels were controlled at 60% of the participant's estimated V02max level. An overall analysis of variance found improved levels of vigor with reduced levels of confusion, fatigue, and total negative mood. Planned analyses revealed that the improvements in vigor, fatigue, and total mood occurred after 10 min of exercise, with progressive improvements in confusion over 20 min and with no additional improvement over longer periods. These results complement current recommendations, which suggest that to experience positive fitness and health benefits, healthy adults should participate in a total of 30 min of moderate physical exercise daily, accumulated in short bouts throughout the day. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)