Exploiting Distance Technology to Foster Experimental Design as a Neglected Learning Objective in Labwork in Chemistry

AbstractGiven the many types of suboptimality in perception, I ask how one should test for multiple forms of suboptimality at the same time – or, more generally, how one should compare process models that can differ in any or all of the multiple components. In analogy to factorial experimental design, I advocate for factorial model comparison.

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Combining integrated systems-biology approaches with intervention-based experimental design provides a higher-resolution path forward for microbiome research

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x18002911 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

Author(s):

J. Alfredo Blakeley-Ruiz ◽

Carlee S. McClintock ◽

Ralph Lydic ◽

Helen A. Baghdoyan ◽

James J. Choo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systems Biology ◽

High Resolution ◽

Experimental Design ◽

Integrated Systems ◽

Microbiome Research ◽

Constructive Criticism

Abstract The Hooks et al. review of microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) literature provides a constructive criticism of the general approaches encompassing MGB research. This commentary extends their review by: (a) highlighting capabilities of advanced systems-biology “-omics” techniques for microbiome research and (b) recommending that combining these high-resolution techniques with intervention-based experimental design may be the path forward for future MGB research.

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Statistics and parallaxes

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s0252921100073875 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 48 ◽

pp. 7-29

Author(s):

T. E. Lutz

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

Statistical Methods ◽

Review Paper ◽

Systematic Errors ◽

Past Experience ◽

Random Errors ◽

Trigonometric Parallaxes ◽

Systematic And Random Errors

This review paper deals with the use of statistical methods to evaluate systematic and random errors associated with trigonometric parallaxes. First, systematic errors which arise when using trigonometric parallaxes to calibrate luminosity systems are discussed. Next, determination of the external errors of parallax measurement are reviewed. Observatory corrections are discussed. Schilt’s point, that as the causes of these systematic differences between observatories are not known the computed corrections can not be applied appropriately, is emphasized. However, modern parallax work is sufficiently accurate that it is necessary to determine observatory corrections if full use is to be made of the potential precision of the data. To this end, it is suggested that a prior experimental design is required. Past experience has shown that accidental overlap of observing programs will not suffice to determine observatory corrections which are meaningful.

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Using Video Modeling Intervention and Speech Generating Devices To Teach Requesting Behaviors to Persons With Autism

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac20.4.109 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 109-113

Author(s):

Karen Copple ◽

Rajinder Koul ◽

Devender Banda ◽

Ellen Frye

Keyword(s):

Developmental Disabilities ◽

Experimental Design ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Observational Learning ◽

Video Modeling ◽

Single Subject ◽

Design Studies ◽

Communicative Behaviors ◽

Speech Generating Device ◽

Treatment Package

Abstract One of the instructional techniques reported in the literature to teach communication skills to persons with autism is video modeling (VM). VM is a form of observational learning that involves watching and imitating the desired target behavior(s) exhibited by the person on the videotape. VM has been used to teach a variety of social and communicative behaviors to persons with developmental disabilities such as autism. In this paper, we describe the VM technique and summarize the results of two single-subject experimental design studies that investigated the acquisition of spontaneous requesting skills using a speech generating device (SGD) by persons with autism following a VM intervention. The results of these two studies indicate that a VM treatment package that includes a SGD as one of its components can be effective in facilitating communication in individuals with autism who have little or no functional speech.

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Nepotism in the Hiring of Leaders

Swiss Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1024/1421-0185/a000143 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 73 (4) ◽

pp. 243-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Annick Darioly ◽

Ronald E. Riggio

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

Perceived Competence ◽

Negative Evaluation ◽

Leadership Position ◽

Family Ties ◽

Hiring Decision ◽

Job Application ◽

Career Progress

This study examines how applicants who are relatives of the company’s executives are perceived when they are being considered for a leadership position. In a 2 (Family ties: with vs. without) × 2 (Applicant qualifications: well-qualified vs. underqualified) experimental design, 165 Swiss employees read the applicant’s job application and evaluated the hiring decision, the perceived competence, and the perceived career progress of the target employee. This research showed that even a well-qualified potential employee received a more negative evaluation if the candidate had family ties to the company. Despite their negative evaluation of potential nepotistic hires, the participants nevertheless believed that family ties would boost the career progress of an underqualified applicant. Limitations and implications are discussed.

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A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of Volunteer Mentorship for Young Adults With Self-Harm Behaviors Using a Quasi-Experimental Design

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000393 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 415-426 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yik-Wa Law ◽

Paul S. F. Yip ◽

Carmen C. S. Lai ◽

Chi Leung Kwok ◽

Paul W. C. Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Treatment As Usual ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Self Harm ◽

Volunteer Support

Abstract. Background: Studies have shown that postdischarge care for self-harm patients is effective in reducing repeated suicidal behaviors. Little is known about whether volunteer support can help reduce self-harm repetition and improve psychosocial well-being. Aim: This study investigated the efficacy of volunteer support in preventing repetition of self-harm. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design by assigning self-harm patients admitted to the emergency departments to an intervention group with volunteer support and treatment as usual (TAU) for 9 months and to a control group of TAU. Outcome measures include repetition of self-harm, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and level of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 74 cases were recruited (38 participants; 36 controls). There were no significant differences in age, gender, and clinical condition between the two groups at the baseline. The intervention group showed significant improvements in hopelessness and depressive symptoms. However, the number of cases of suicide ideation and of repetition of self-harm episodes was similar for both groups at the postintervention period. Conclusion: Postdischarge care provided by volunteers showed significant improvement in hopelessness and depression. Volunteers have been commonly involved in suicide prevention services. Further research using rigorous methods is recommended for improving service quality in the long term.

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Everybody Follows the Crowd?

Journal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications ◽

10.1027/1864-1105/a000160 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Magdalena Obermaier ◽

Thomas Koch ◽

Christian Baden

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

News Coverage ◽

Personal Characteristics ◽

Election Campaigns ◽

Bandwagon Effect ◽

Political News ◽

Election Results ◽

Opinion Polls ◽

Electoral Preferences

Abstract. Opinion polls are a well-established part of political news coverage, especially during election campaigns. At the same time, there has been controversial debate over the possible influences of such polls on voters’ electoral choices. The most prominent influence discussed is the bandwagon effect: It states that voters tend to support the expected winner of an upcoming election, and use polls to determine who the likely winner will be. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the effect. In addition, we inquired into the role of past electoral performances of a candidate and analyzed how these (as well as polls) are used as heuristic cues for the assessment of a candidate’s personal characteristics. Using an experimental design, we found that both polls and past election results influence participants’ expectations regarding which candidate will succeed. Moreover, higher competence was attributed to a candidate, if recipients believe that the majority of voters favor that candidate. Through this attribution of competence, both information about prior elections and current polls shaped voters’ electoral preferences.

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Mobilizing for Some

Journal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications ◽

10.1027/1864-1105/a000199 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 123-135 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Raffael Heiss ◽

Jörg Matthes

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Social Media ◽

High School Students ◽

Experimental Design ◽

Collective Efficacy ◽

Political Efficacy ◽

Negative Effects ◽

School Students ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Specific Factors

Abstract. This study investigated the effects of politicians’ nonparticipatory and participatory Facebook posts on young people’s political efficacy – a key determinant of political participation. We employed an experimental design, using a sample of N = 125 high school students (15–20 years). Participants either saw a Facebook profile with no posts (control condition), nonparticipatory posts, or participatory posts. While nonparticipatory posts did not affect participants’ political efficacy, participatory posts exerted distinct effects. For those high in trait evaluations of the politician presented in the stimulus material or low in political cynicism, we found significant positive effects on external and collective efficacy. By contrast, for those low in trait evaluations or high in cynicism, we found significant negative effects on external and collective efficacy. We did not find any effects on internal efficacy. The importance of content-specific factors and individual predispositions in assessing the influence of social media use on participation is discussed.

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