scholarly journals Use, Adaptivity, and Need Fulfillment: A Methodological Critique of Tests of the Functions of Autobiographical Memory

2019 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-70
Author(s):  
Denise R. Beike ◽  
Carmen R. Merrick ◽  
Holly E. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Need Fulfillment ◽  
Memory Functions ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Functional Nature ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Internal Validity

In this article, we champion the study of autobiographical memory functions. We review the proposed functions and how they have been investigated. We describe seven commonly used research designs. We argue that although each design offers unique benefits, none of these designs is ideally suited to test the functional nature of autobiographical memory with high internal validity. We stress that each design does have a unique set of benefits in the exploration of autobiographical memory and none should be abandoned. However, we encourage researchers interested in function in particular to consider designs that will illuminate the use, adaptivity, and fulfillment of needs that is inherent in the definition of function.

scholarly journals Beyond Manipulation: Administrative Sorting in Regression Discontinuity Designs

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-181
Author(s):  
Cristian Crespo
Keyword(s):  
Regression Discontinuity ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Treatment Assignment ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Regression Discontinuity Designs ◽  
Administrative Procedures

Abstract This paper elaborates on administrative sorting, a threat to internal validity that has been overlooked in the regression discontinuity (RD) literature. Variation in treatment assignment near the threshold may still not be as good as random even when individuals are unable to precisely manipulate the running variable. This can be the case when administrative procedures, beyond individuals’ control and knowledge, affect their position near the threshold non-randomly. If administrative sorting is not recognized it can be mistaken as manipulation, preventing fixing the running variable and leading to discarding viable RD research designs.

scholarly journals Playing smartphone games while studying: an experimental study on reading interruptions by a smartphone game

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Graben ◽  
Bettina K. Doering ◽  
Antonia Barke
Keyword(s):  
Reading Speed ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Specific Exercise ◽  
Equivalence Tests ◽  
Learning Conditions ◽  
High Internal Validity

AbstractIn this study, we investigated whether the use of smartphone games while reading a text reduces learning performance or reading speed. We also examined whether this is affected by push notifications. Ninety-three students were randomly assigned to three learning conditions. In the gaming group (G), participants played a game app for 20 s at 2-min intervals while reading. In one subgroup, the game app sent push notifications (GN+); in the other subgroup, no notifications (GN−) were sent. In the control group (C), participants did not play a game. After the reading, participants took a multiple-choice quiz. We compared quiz scores and reading times of the groups (G) and (C) and within the gaming group (GN+, GN−) and observed no differences. Since the statistical non-significance of these tests does not entail the absence of an effect, we conducted equivalence tests, which did not demonstrate equivalence either. The experiment ensured high internal validity, yet remained inconclusive. Reasons for the similarity of performance in all groups could be non-specific exercise effects (all participants owned a smartphone), low similarity between the tasks, low variance of participants’ ability and motivation (high achieving, low ADHD scores) or low game complexity. Future research should address these questions.

Collecting and Analyzing Qualitative Data

2019 ◽  
pp. 213-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Wolff ◽  
Frank Mahoney ◽  
Anna Leena Lohiniva ◽  
Melissa Corkum
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Rapport Building ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
High Internal Validity ◽  
Rigorous Method

Qualitative research provides an adaptable, open-ended, rigorous method to explore local perceptions of an issue. Qualitative approaches are effective at revealing the subjective logic motivating behavior. They are particularly appropriate for research questions that are exploratory in nature or involve issues of meaning rather than magnitude or frequency. Key advantages of qualitative approaches include speed, flexibility and high internal validity resulting from emphasis on rapport building and ability to probe beneath the surface of initial responses. Given the time-intensive nature of qualitative analysis, samples tend to be small and purposively selected to assure every interview counts. Qualitative studies can be done independently or embedded in mixed-method designs. Qualitative data analysis depends on rigorous reading and rereading texts ideally with more than one analyst to confirm interpretations. Computer software is useful for analyzing large data sets but manual coding is often sufficient for rapid assessments in field settings..

scholarly journals Spiritual Needs of Older Adults during Hospitalization: An Integrative Review

Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 529
Author(s):  
Lindsy Desmet ◽  
Jessie Dezutter ◽  
Anna Vandenhoeck ◽  
Annemie Dillen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Definition Of

A hospital admission presents various challenges for a patient which often result in high or intense spiritual needs. To provide the best possible care for older adults during hospitalization, it is essential to assess patients’ spiritual needs. However, little research has been done into the spiritual needs of geriatric patients. This article seeks insight into what is known in the literature on the spiritual needs of geriatric patients. This integrative review presents a summary of the articles on this topic. To select eligible studies, the PRISMA Flow Diagram was used. This resulted in ten articles that have been reviewed. Results show (1) a wide interest in researching spiritual needs, using different research designs. In addition, (2) four subcategories of spiritual needs can be distinguished: (a) the need to be connected with others or with God/the transcendent/the divine, (b) religious needs, (c) the need to find meaning in life, and (d) the need to maintain one’s identity. Moreover, results show that (3) assessing spiritual needs is required to provide the best possible spiritual care, and that (4) there are four reasons for unmet spiritual needs. Further research is needed on the definition of spiritual needs and to investigate older patients’ spiritual needs and the relation with their well-being, mental health and religious coping mechanisms, in order to provide the best spiritual care.

Comparing the Effects of Two Reading Interventions Using a Randomized Alternating Treatment Design

2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-373
Author(s):  
Youjia Hua ◽  
Michelle Hinzman ◽  
Chengan Yuan ◽  
Kinga Balint Langel
Keyword(s):  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Reading Interventions ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Vocabulary Instruction ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Randomization Tests ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Single Case Research ◽  
Alternating Treatment Design ◽  
Treatment Design

An emerging body of research suggests that incorporating randomization schemes in single-case research designs strengthens study internal validity and data evaluation. The purpose of this study was to test the utility and feasibility of a randomized alternating-treatment design in an investigation that compared the combined effects of vocabulary instruction and the paraphrasing strategies on expository comprehension of six students with reading difficulties. We analyzed the data using three types of randomization tests as well as visual analysis. The visual analysis and randomization tests confirmed the additional benefit of vocabulary instruction on expository comprehension for one student. However, the effects were not replicated across the other five students. We found that proper randomization schemes can improve both internal validity and data analysis strategies of the alternating-treatment design.

scholarly journals Use of Reporting Guidelines in Scientific Writing: PRISMA, CONSORT, STROBE, STARD and Other Resources

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Tate ◽  
Jacinta Douglas
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Reporting Guidelines ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Quality Rating

AbstractIn this special article we describe a number of reporting guidelines endorsed by the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) group for a range of research designs that commonly appear in scientific journals: systematic reviews, clinical trials with and without randomisation, observational studies, n-of-1 (or single-case experimental design) trials, and diagnostic studies. We also consider reporting guidelines for studies using qualitative methodology. In addition to reporting guidelines, we present method quality rating scales, which aim to measure risk of bias that threatens the internal validity of a study. Advantages of reporting guidelines and method quality rating scales for authors include the provision of a structure by which to improve the clarity and transparency of report writing; for reviewers and readers advantages include a method by which to critically appraise an article.Brain Impairmentendorses these reporting guidelines and applies them within the review process for submissions to the journal.

Using Time-Series Research Designs to Investigate the Effects of Instruction on SLA

1996 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Dean Mellow ◽  
Kenneth Reeder ◽  
Elizabeth Forster
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Unpublished Manuscript ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Oral Interaction

This paper argues that the study of second language acquisition theory and pedagogy can be enhanced through the use of time-series research designs. As quasi-experiments, time-series designs have features that improve internal validity. In addition, because these designs only require a small number of subjects, they are very practical, encouraging a greater number of empirical investigations of the many claims within the field and permitting the use of authentic measures that have high construct validity. The longitudinal nature of the designs also enhances construct validity, potentially yielding new insights into the effects of instruction on SLA. The designs utilized in two time-series studies (Kennedy, E., 1988, The Oral Interaction of Native Speakers and Non-Native Speakers in a Multicultural Preschool: A Comparison between Freeplay and Contrived NS/NSS Dyads, unpublished master's thesis, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Mellow, J. D., 1996, April, A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Instruction on the Development of Article Use by Adult Japanese ESL Learners, unpublished manuscript, University of British Columbia, Vancouver) are reviewed in order to illustrate the design features, the questions that may be investigated, and the issues that are raised in interpreting data.

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