University students’ negative emotions in a computer-based examination: the roles of trait test-emotion, prior test-taking methods and gender

Few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the test-related items from the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ). Using a sample of 955 university students, we examined the factor structure of 12 emotion items measuring test-related anger, boredom, enjoyment, and pride. Results indicated the four emotions were distinct, allowing for further examination of measurement invariance of the items across testing platform (computer-based vs. pencil-paper test) and gender. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported for testing platform and gender. Given interest in modeling change in emotions, we also examined whether the items were invariant across time by measuring emotions at 3 times during a test. Using a sample of 651 university students, configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across time. The findings provide important structural validity evidence for the item responses and support the comparison of emotions across testing platform, gender, and time.

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Singular they in English as a foreign language

Applied Linguistics Review ◽

10.1515/applirev-2019-0115 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Charlotte Stormbom

Keyword(s):

Foreign Language ◽

University Students ◽

Language Teaching ◽

Third Person ◽

And Gender ◽

L1 English

AbstractA much-debated issue in English is the use of “epicene pronouns”, i.e. third-person singular pronouns of indeterminate gender. Previous studies have shown that singular they is the most common epicene in L1 English, but this pronoun has not received much attention in studies of L2 use. The present study extends previous research by examining variation between L2 groups in the distribution of epicene pronouns, focussing particularly on the use of singular they and how it is affected by three features of the antecedent: definiteness, notional number, and gender expectancy. The data originate in an elicitation experiment, which was completed by 338 university students of English from eight L1 backgrounds. The results show that singular they was most frequently used with notionally plural antecedents, whereas it was least common with gender-stereotyped antecedents. The study also disclosed variation between learners: In some L1 groups, they was used frequently with all types of antecedents, suggesting that these learners perceive singular they as a singular pronoun in its own right. In other groups, singular they appeared to function mostly as a modification of the plural they, as the pronoun was only frequent with notionally plural antecedents. The findings have important implications for language teaching.

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Socio-Emotional Variables Linked to the Consumption of Drugs amongst University Students of Social Sciences: A Pilot Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094502 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4502

Author(s):

José Luis Rodríguez-Sáez ◽

Luis J. Martín-Antón ◽

Alfonso Salgado-Ruiz ◽

Miguel Ángel Carbonero

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Emotional Intelligence ◽

Academic Performance ◽

University Students ◽

Regression Model ◽

Household Survey ◽

Predictive Variables ◽

Cannabis Consumption ◽

And Gender ◽

Mood Scale

This descriptive and transversal study, carried out on an intentional sample of 211 subjects who were split in terms of their consumption of psychoactive substances over the last month and who were aged between 18 and 28 (M = 21.36, and SD = 1.90), aimed to explore the emotional intelligence, perceived socio-family support and academic performance of university students vis-à-vis their consumption of drugs and to examine the link between them. The goal was to define university student consumer profile through a regression model using the multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (EMAS) and the Trait Meta Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) as instruments, together with academic performance and gender. The results report alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis consumption rates that are above the levels indicated by the Spanish household survey on alcohol and drugs in Spain (EDADES 2019) for the 15–34-year-old age range in Castilla y León. A certain link was observed between the consumption of substances and academic performance, although no differences were seen in academic performance in terms of consumer type. There was also no clear link observed between emotional intelligence and academic performance or between social support and academic performance. The predictive contribution of the variables included in the regression model was low (9%), which would advocate completing the model with other predictive variables until more appropriate predictability conditions can be found.

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669 Increased Nightmares During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Role of Resilience and Emotions

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab072.667 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. A261-A262

Author(s):

Jérémie Potvin ◽

Laura Ramos Socarras ◽

Geneviève Forest

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Negative Emotions ◽

Unique Contribution ◽

Health Issues ◽

Resilience Scale ◽

And Gender ◽

The Impact ◽

Tremendous Impact

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on many aspects of our lives and has caused an increase in stress and mental health issues in many people. We have recently found that there was an increase in nightmares during the pandemic in young adults. Since emotions have been associated with both resilience and nightmares, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of resilience and emotional changes in the increase in nightmares observed during the pandemic, in a group of young adults. Methods Resilience, emotions and nightmares were assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10, the Differential Emotions Scale-IV and an adapted version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Measures were administered to 209 young adults (18–25 years old, 76.1% females). Hierarchical multiple regression models were computed to examine the unique contribution of changes in positive and negative emotions during the pandemic to the increase in nightmares during the pandemic. Analyses were controlled for nightmares and emotions prior to COVID-19, and for gender. The sample was separated in two groups: resilient and less resilient young adults. Results Results show that in less resilient young adults, nightmares prior to COVID-19 (β=.79, p<.001) and increase in negative emotions (β=.21, p=.033) significantly predicted nightmares during the pandemic and explained 67.0% of their variance. In resilient young adults, nightmares prior to COVID-19 (β=.56, p<.001) and gender (β=-.15, p=.04) significantly predicted nightmares during the pandemic and explained 52.0% of the variance. Conclusion Our results show that increase in negative emotions during the pandemic is associated with an increase in nightmares in less resilient young adults, but not in resilient young adults. Furthermore, our results show that in resilient young adults, being a woman is associated with an increase in nightmares during the pandemic. These results suggest that resilience may be a protective factor in managing the impact of negative emotions on nightmares, but only in men. Support (if any):

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Cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among university students in Queensland, Australia and New Zealand: results of two cross-sectional surveys

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041705 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e041705

Author(s):

Ben Wamamili ◽

Sheleigh Lawler ◽

Mark Wallace-Bell ◽

Coral Gartner ◽

David Sellars ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

University Students ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Dual Use ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Free Spaces ◽

And Gender

ObjectivesExamine the patterns of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use (vaping), the perceived harm of e-cigarettes compared with tobacco cigarettes, and associations between smoking and vaping with student characteristics.DesignCross-sectional studies.SettingThe University of Queensland (UQ), Australia and eight New Zealand (NZ) universities.ParticipantsStudents at UQ: 4957 (70.8% aged <25 years, 63.0% women) and NZ: 1854 (82.5% aged <25 years, 60.1% women).MethodsΧ2 tests compared smoking by age and gender, and vaping by age, gender and smoking status. Two-sided p<0.05 was considered significant and 95% CIs reported where appropriate. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations between smoking and vaping (exclusive smoking, exclusive vaping, dual use and non-use) with age, gender and student type (domestic vs international).ResultsSmoking (UQ vs NZ, 95% CI): ever 45.2% (43.8% to 46.6%) vs 50.0% (47.7% to 52.3%), current 8.9% (8.1% to 9.7%) vs 10.4% (9.1% to 11.9%) and daily 5.2% (4.6% to 5.8%) vs 5.6% (4.6% to 6.7%), and not smoking in indoor 98.3% vs 87.7% or outdoor smoke-free spaces 83.8% vs 65.3%.Vaping (UQ vs NZ, 95% CI): ever 20.9% (19.8% to 22.1%) vs 37.6% (35.4% to 39.9%), current 1.8% (1.5% to 2.2%) vs 6.5% (5.4% to 7.7%) and daily 0.7% (0.5% to 1.0%) vs 2.5% (1.9% to 3.4%), and not vaping in indoor 91.4% vs 79.6% or outdoor smoke-free spaces 84.4% vs 71.3%. Of respondents, 71.7% (70.3% to 73.2%) vs 75.3% (72.9% to 77.6%) perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than tobacco cigarettes.Men were more likely than women to smoke and vape, and to believe that e-cigarettes are less harmful. Regression models containing all predictors for smoking and vaping were significant and the effect of gender was significant for dual use, exclusive smoking and exclusive vaping (all p<0.01). Men had higher odds for smoking, vaping or dual use.ConclusionsResults suggest significant differences in patterns of smoking and vaping of university students in Australia and NZ, and a strong influence of gender on smoking and vaping.

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Strategies Used in Taking a Computer-Based Speaking Test: A Retrospective Verbal Protocol Study

MANUSYA ◽

10.1163/26659077-01201005 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 73-96

Author(s):

Sutthirak Sapsirin ◽

Kanchana Prapphal ◽

Lyle F. Bachman

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Goal Setting ◽

Communication Strategies ◽

Verbal Protocol ◽

Speaking Test ◽

Computer Based ◽

Protocol Study

This study investigated the strategies used by examinees when performing a computer-based speaking test. The data were collected from nine university students through a retrospective interview. The results showed that the examinees used several strategies, ranging from goal setting, assessment, planning to communication strategies. These strategies seemed to be associated with the constructs the CBST aimed to measure. It can be concluded that the findings provide evidence that supports the validity of the CBST score interpretations.

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The Role of Traumatic Childhood Experiences in Predicting a Disposition to Risk-Taking and Aggression in Turkish University Students

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260517696862 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (9-10) ◽

pp. 1998-2011 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hatice Odacı ◽

Çiğdem Berber Çelik

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Risk Taking ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Personal Information ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Emotional Neglect ◽

Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽

Childhood Experiences ◽

Adolescent Risk ◽

And Gender

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not traumatic childhood experiences in childhood predict a disposition to risk-taking and aggression among university students. The participants consisted of 851 students: 477 (56.1%) females and 374 (43.9%) males attending various faculties at the Karadeniz Technical University in Turkey. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Adolescent Risk-Taking Scale, Aggression Questionnaire, and Personal Information Form were used for data collection. The analysis results revealed a positive correlation between traumatic experiences (physical, sexual, emotional maltreatment, and emotional neglect) and risk-taking and aggression. Physical and sexual abuse and gender are significant predictors of risk-taking. Physical abuse and gender are some of the predictors of aggression. Another finding from the study is that physical and emotional abuse and emotional neglect vary by gender. This study concludes that exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood prepares the foundation for negative behaviors in adulthood.

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Sleep in university students across years of university education and gender influences

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2014-0037 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 341-348 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Md Dilshad Manzar ◽

Wassilatul Zannat ◽

Manpreet Kaur ◽

M. Ejaz Hussain

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Subjective Evaluation ◽

University Education ◽

Sleep Health ◽

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome ◽

Delayed Sleep Phase ◽

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder ◽

Delayed Sleep ◽

And Gender

Abstract Purpose: Assessment of the influence of gender and increasing years at university on sleep health of students. Methods: Four hundred and eighteen students from different streams across years of undergraduate to postgraduate courses participated. Descriptive statistics, test of differences, and correlation were used. The sleep health data comprised of subjective evaluation using a questionnaire and personal interviews. Results: Overall, 43.1% had sleep problems, females were more affected (51.67% vs. 48.33% in males) but were early bed goers. The prevalence of circadian rhythm sleep disorder (11.6% vs. 9.5%) and delayed sleep phase syndrome (4.5% vs. 2.7%) was slightly higher in males. The daytime dysfunction and hypnotic use significantly differed in students of the same class among gender. Bedtime got significantly delayed along years [H(2)=29.769, p<0.001], and hypnotic use [H(2)=8.807, p=0.012] differed significantly among them. The moderate-very strong correlational statistics among sleep health elements was very similar across gender and years of university education. However, more pronounced influence of years of university education than gender was seen in the significant differences for correlated correlation among sleep health parameters. Conclusion: Gender and years of university education influence sleep among university students both separately and concomitantly.

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A General Approach to Measuring Test-Taking Effort on Computer-Based Tests

Applied Measurement in Education ◽

10.1080/08957347.2017.1353992 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 343-354 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Steven L. Wise ◽

Lingyun Gao

Keyword(s):

Test Taking ◽

Computer Based

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Cross-Mode Comparability of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Versus Paper-Pencil Based Testing (PPT): An Investigation of Testing Administration Mode among Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners

English Language Teaching ◽

10.5539/elt.v10n2p23 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 23 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hooshang Khoshsima ◽

Monirosadat Hosseini ◽

Seyyed Morteza Hashemi Toroujeni

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Language Assessment ◽

State University ◽

Pearson Correlation Test ◽

Computer Based ◽

Computer Based Testing ◽

Testing Mode ◽

And Performance ◽

And Gender

Advent of technology has caused growing interest in using computers to convert conventional paper and pencil-based testing (Henceforth PPT) into Computer-based testing (Henceforth CBT) in the field of education during last decades. This constant promulgation of computers to reshape the conventional tests into computerized format permeated the language assessment field in recent years. But, enjoying advantages of computers in language assessment raise the concerns of the effects that computerized mode of testing may have on CBT performance. Thus, this study investigated the score comparability of Vocabulary in Use test taken by 30 Iranian undergraduate students studying at a state university located in Chabahar region of Iran (CMU) to see whether scores from two administrations of testing mode were different. Therefore, two similar tests were administered to the male and female participants on two testing mode occasions with four weeks interval. Employing One-Way ANOVA statistical test to compare the mean scores and Pearson Correlation test to find the relationship between mode preference and performance revealed that two sets of scores were not different and gender difference was not also considered a variable that might affect performance on CBT. Based on the results, computerized version of the test can be considered a favorable alternative for the state undergraduate students in Iran.

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