scholarly journals Aging Men and Masculinity Ideologies: Variance Composition of the MRNS-BF and Measurement Invariance by Men's Age

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 917-917
Author(s):  
Edward Thompson ◽  
Ronald Levant
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Cohort Differences ◽  
Aging Men ◽  
Gender Practices

Abstract The construct traditional masculinity ideology (TMI, Levant & Richmond, 2016), like the construct dominant masculinities (Coles, 2009; Messerschmidt, 2019), refers to culturally-based principles about proper gender practices for men. The present study aimed to create a briefer and psychometrically stronger form of the Male Role Norms Scale (MRNS), a long-standing and important measure of TMI. Using an archival data set (N = 626) with men age 25 and older, the MRNS was shortened using a set of recommended practices. Confirmatory factor analysis and assessment of measurement invariance showed the resulting MRNS-BF satisfies good fit principles with configural, metric, yet not reliable scalar invariance for age. It is a 6-item measure whose common factor measures TMI through two dimensions that mimic tenets Brannon (1976) and Connell (1995) theorized as underlying principles of masculinity ideologies in Western cultures: Earning and maintaining Respect/status, and No sissy stuff/avoidance of femininity in gender practices. Mean scores importantly show perhaps generational, certainly age cohort differences – aging men differed from established and middle-aged men by more moderately endorsing norms that specify men must strive to earn others’ respect and the cultural emphasis on no sissy stuff. Younger age cohorts strongly adopted principles of gender equality. These observed differences must be interpreted with great caution, since the men in the three age groups did not seem to have a common zero point. Still, the MRNS-BF has good psychometric properties, and its brevity can assist future research on how gender guidelines influence aging men’s health decisions and behavior.

Is the ratio of flow-mediated dilation and shear rate a statistically sound approach to normalization in cross-sectional studies on endothelial function?

2009 ◽  
Vol 107 (6) ◽  
pp. 1893-1899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Atkinson ◽  
Alan M. Batterham ◽  
Mark A. Black ◽  
Nigel T. Cable ◽  
Nicola D. Hopkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Rate ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Flow Mediated Dilation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Statistical Assumptions

It has been deemed important to normalize flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a marker of endothelial function, for between-subject differences in the eliciting shear rate (SR) stimulus. Conventionally, FMD is divided by the area under the curve of the SR stimulus. In the context of a cross-sectional comparison across different age cohorts, we examined whether this ratio approach adhered to established statistical assumptions necessary for reliable normalization. To quantify brachial artery FMD and area under the curve of SR, forearm cuff inflation to suprasystolic pressure was administered for 5 min to 16 boys aged 10.9 yr (SD 0.3), 48 young men aged 25.3 yr (SD 4.2), and 15 older men aged 57.5 yr (SD 4.3). Mean differences between age groups were statistically significant ( P < 0.001) for nonnormalized FMD [children: 10.4% (SD 5.4), young adults: 7.5% (SD 2.9), older adults: 5.6% (SD 2.0)] but not for ratio-normalized FMD ( P = 0.10). Moreover, all assumptions necessary for reliable use of ratio-normalization were violated, including regression slopes between SR and FMD that had y-intercepts greater than zero ( P < 0.05), nonlinear and unstable relations between the normalized ratios and SR, skewed data distributions, and heteroscedastic variance. Logarithmic transformation of SR and FMD before ratio calculation improved adherence to these assumptions and resulted in age differences similar to the nonnormalized data ( P = 0.03). In conclusion, although ratio normalization of FMD altered findings about age differences in endothelial function, this could be explained by violation of statistical assumptions. We recommend that exploration of these assumptions should be routine in future research. If the relationship between SR and FMD is generally found to be weak or nonlinear or variable between samples, then ratio normalization should not be applied.

scholarly journals Lexical richness in adolescent writing, insights from the classroom: An L1 vocabulary development study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rebecca Hamilton White
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
School Context ◽  
Vocabulary Development ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Lexical Development ◽  
Lexical Richness

<p>This thesis constitutes a mixed-methods enquiry into how vocabulary develops across adolescence, within the context of New Zealand secondary schools. A quantitative approach was adopted to investigate vocabulary use in authentic written essays produced by secondary school English students (N=141) belonging to three age groups: 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18, from eight schools. Essays were analysed for the following three lexical richness features: lexical variation, lexical sophistication, and lexical density. With links between these lexical richness features and vocabulary size/skill in vocabulary use (Vermeer, 2000; Ravid & Zilberbuch, 2003; Malvern, Richards, Chipere, & Durán, 2009), signs of development were studied through comparison of scores across the three age groups. Quantitative findings indicate significant lexical development across year levels in the data set. Furthermore, the findings suggest that within the period of adolescence there is an even more specific period in which substantial development takes place: 15-18 years, or later adolescence.  The qualitative aspect of this study focussed on identifying teacher perspectives on influences from within the secondary school context impacting on vocabulary development during this significant period of acquisition. Seven secondary school English teachers were interviewed on the subject of lexical development as it occurs within the schooling environment. Contributions from the school curriculum to vocabulary acquisition were observed, with spikes in curriculum difficulty from year 11 (age 15-16) onward corresponding with the developmental spike observed in the quantitative data further supporting this observation. Non-schooling related influences were also identified, including cognitive development, reading habits, and attitude and orientation toward vocabulary.  The present study contributes to the growing field of later language acquisition through identification of a possible period of heightened development within the adolescent years. Importantly, it also highlights factors in students’ everyday school lives which may contribute to their lexical development, raising implications both for those wishing to promote lexical development within the secondary school population, and more globally for our understanding of how heightened development occurs during this period. The study concludes with implications for theory, research and practice, together with limitations of the study and future research directions arising from this research.</p>

Age Differences and Measurement Invariance of Working Memory in 5- to 12-Year-Old Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Michalczyk ◽  
Nadine Malstädt ◽  
Maria Worgt ◽  
Tanja Könen ◽  
Marcus Hasselhorn
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Central Executive ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Latent Factors ◽  
Functional Relationships ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Computer Based

In this study, we investigated working memory structure and measurement invariance of working memory in children between 5 and 12 years. In a sample of 1,669 children, we administered a battery of 12 computer-based working memory subtests. We found the same tripartite structure of working memory with a phonological loop, a visual-spatial sketchpad, and a central executive in the age groups 5–6 years, 7–9 years, and 10–12 years; interrelations of the latent factors were invariant across the age groups. Only the relationships between the phonological loop and the central executive were weaker in the 5- to 6-year-olds than in the older age groups. The results corroborate the tripartite working memory model developed by Baddeley (1986) and show that the functional relationships between working memory components are mostly invariant through childhood. In addition, the findings indicate that future research should focus on extending the model by a fourth factor representing inhibition.

scholarly journals Psychometric Properties of the Adult Self-Report: Data from over 11,000 American Adults

Stats ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-474
Author(s):  
Michelle Guerrero ◽  
Matt Hoffmann ◽  
Laura Pulkki-Råback
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fit Indices ◽  
Invariance Testing ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data

The first purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of the Adult Self-Report (ASR) via traditional confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and contemporary exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). The second purpose was to examine the measurement invariance of the ASR subscales across age groups. We used baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. ASR data from 11,773 participants were used to conduct the CFA and ESEM analyses and data from 11,678 participants were used to conduct measurement invariance testing. Fit indices supported both the CFA and ESEM solutions, with the ESEM solution yielding better fit indices. However, several items in the ESEM solution did not sufficiently load on their intended factors and/or cross-loaded on unintended factors. Results from the measurement invariance analysis suggested that the ASR subscales are robust and fully invariant across subgroups of adults formed on the basis of age (18–35 years vs. 36–59 years). Future research should seek to both CFA and ESEM to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the ASR.

Examining Measurement Invariance and Differences in Age Cohorts on the Supports Intensity Scale–Children's Version–Catalan Translation

2017 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 511-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Climent Giné ◽  
Ana Luisa Adam ◽  
Josep Font ◽  
Francesc Salvador-Bertran ◽  
Natasha Baqués ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Intensity Scale ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Supports Intensity Scale ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Data from 949 children and adolescents with intellectual disability ages 5 to 16 for whom the Supports Intensity Scale–Children's Version–Catalan Translation was completed was used, in combination with data from the U.S. standardization sample, to examine measurement invariance and latent differences in the Catalonian sample. Results suggest that the same set of items can be used to measure support needs across U.S. and Catalonia samples and that there are age-related differences in support needs in the Catalonia sample, particularly between children ages 5 to 10 and 11 to 16 years of age. This differs from findings with the U.S. sample, where differences were found in a greater number of age cohorts. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Lexical richness in adolescent writing, insights from the classroom: An L1 vocabulary development study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rebecca Hamilton White
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
School Context ◽  
Vocabulary Development ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Lexical Development ◽  
Lexical Richness

<p>This thesis constitutes a mixed-methods enquiry into how vocabulary develops across adolescence, within the context of New Zealand secondary schools. A quantitative approach was adopted to investigate vocabulary use in authentic written essays produced by secondary school English students (N=141) belonging to three age groups: 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18, from eight schools. Essays were analysed for the following three lexical richness features: lexical variation, lexical sophistication, and lexical density. With links between these lexical richness features and vocabulary size/skill in vocabulary use (Vermeer, 2000; Ravid & Zilberbuch, 2003; Malvern, Richards, Chipere, & Durán, 2009), signs of development were studied through comparison of scores across the three age groups. Quantitative findings indicate significant lexical development across year levels in the data set. Furthermore, the findings suggest that within the period of adolescence there is an even more specific period in which substantial development takes place: 15-18 years, or later adolescence.  The qualitative aspect of this study focussed on identifying teacher perspectives on influences from within the secondary school context impacting on vocabulary development during this significant period of acquisition. Seven secondary school English teachers were interviewed on the subject of lexical development as it occurs within the schooling environment. Contributions from the school curriculum to vocabulary acquisition were observed, with spikes in curriculum difficulty from year 11 (age 15-16) onward corresponding with the developmental spike observed in the quantitative data further supporting this observation. Non-schooling related influences were also identified, including cognitive development, reading habits, and attitude and orientation toward vocabulary.  The present study contributes to the growing field of later language acquisition through identification of a possible period of heightened development within the adolescent years. Importantly, it also highlights factors in students’ everyday school lives which may contribute to their lexical development, raising implications both for those wishing to promote lexical development within the secondary school population, and more globally for our understanding of how heightened development occurs during this period. The study concludes with implications for theory, research and practice, together with limitations of the study and future research directions arising from this research.</p>

scholarly journals Measurement invariance of the perceived online racism scale across age and gender

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian TaeHyuk Keum ◽  
Matthew J. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
General Measure ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Minority Participants

The Perceived Online Racism Scale (PORS) is the first measure specifically developed to assess online racist interpersonal interactions and exposure to online racist content. To advance and strengthen the psychometric foundation of the PORS, the current study evaluated the measurement invariance of PORS across gender and age, two major demographic categories that can differentially affect how racism is perceived. Based on the framework of intersectionality, the salience and significance of social identities, such as gender and age, influence how racism is perceived with different meanings and interpretations. The current study examined data collected through an online survey from 946 racial/ethnic minority participants (59% women, mean age = 27.42) in the United States. Measurement invariance across gender (men and women) and age groups (ages 18 to 24, 25 to 39, and 40 to 64) was tested via comparison of a series of models with increasing constraints. Measurement invariance across configural, metric, and scalar models for age and gender was supported. Latent means were compared across gender and age groups. The results advance the psychometric property of the PORS as a general measure of online racism. Differences in the PORS scores reflect true differences among gender and age groups rather than response bias. Implications for future research are discussed.

Measurement Invariance of the SOC-13 Sense of Coherence Scale Across Gender and Age Groups

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Dennis Grevenstein ◽  
Matthias Bluemke
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Matched Sample ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Gender Groups ◽  
Age Range

Abstract. Sense of coherence (SOC) describes an individual’s ability to deal with life challenges (manageability), comprehend the environment (comprehensibility), and perceive life and its challenges as meaningful (meaningfulness). We examine measurement invariance (MI) of the SOC-13 scale across gender and age groups in a matched sample of N = 1,816 (50% females; age range 16–83 years). A two-factor model, with a common factor for manageability/comprehensibility items and a second factor for meaningfulness items, best represented the SOC-13 in all groups. Full metric, partial scalar, and full strict invariance held across gender groups. Across age groups, full metric, partial scalar, and partial strict invariance could be established. We conclude that SOC-13 is a reliable and valid measure. Measurement is comparable across gender and age.

Measurement Invariance by Age Group for the Aging Men’s Masculinity Ideologies Inventory

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-317
Author(s):  
Edward H. Thompson ◽  
Britney A. Webster ◽  
Jennifer Tehan Stanley ◽  
Ronald F. Levant
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Young Adulthood ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Gender Expectations ◽  
Aging Men ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

To date, work on masculinity ideologies, or the culture-based standards and norms expected of boys and men, has focused almost exclusively on younger adulthood. Given the emphases in men’s lives during middle and late adulthood vis-à-vis young adulthood, it is important to determine what norms script aging men’s lives. The Aging Men’s Masculinity Ideologies Inventory (AMMII) is a measure designed to assess the masculinities relevant to aging men. The present study investigated whether individuals ( N = 1,352) of different age groups respond to a scale measuring the gender expectations for aging men in a similar way. Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the measurement invariance of the AMMII across three age groups—young adults (ages 18–29 years), established adults (ages 30–59 years), and older adults (ages 60+ years). Support for configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance was found, allowing for the comparison of means between groups.

scholarly journals Constructing and enacting normality online across generations

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niki Panteli ◽  
Ben Marder
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how different age groups construct and enact normality within social networking sites (SNS) and consequently extend theory in the area of online interactions. Design/methodology/approach The chosen research site was Facebook and research design involved focus groups across three different age groups: teenagers, young adults and the middle-aged. In total, there were 78 participants. The focus groups explored the metaphoric images of Facebook interactions. In doing so, participants were asked to draw a picture to represent their metaphor and following this, to position themselves and other characters within the picture. The drawings as well as the facilitators’ records provided the main data set for the study. Findings Connective and protective encounters were found to be used by different age groups when constructing and enacting normality on SNS. Further, it emerged that the interpretation and enactment of normality across the different age groups significantly varied. The metaphorical images have transpired as being a resourceful way of unpacking these differences. Research limitations/implications The study relied on focus groups in order to capture metaphorical images across generations. It did not include interviews with individual participants to elicit the extent to which they agreed with the group metaphor or whether there was anything else they might have presented in the drawings. This could be on the agenda for future research. Practical implications The findings of the study suggest that SNS managers and designers should sympathise with the view that users of different ages engage in different ways with SNS and as a result, user interfaces should be customised according to the age of the user. Social implications The study has implications for those interested in cross- and inter-generational research. Originality/value This is the first study in which the concept of normality has been adopted as a theoretical lens for understanding the interactions on SNS. Further, this work adds to the limited body of research on SNS use across different generations whilst it expands on the range of methodologies used within the information systems field.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document