scholarly journals Another Perspective of the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test – Part I: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 30-40
Author(s):  
D. Detullio

Reference [1] presented a skewed perspective of the M-FAST literature base and provided the flawed conclusion that the M-FAST should no longer be used in practice. In an attempt to correct the many issues with [1], this article provides a narrative review of the strengths and weaknesses of research findings for the M-FAST interpretation as well as reviews methodological concepts underlying feigning research. The M-FAST was designed to screen for potential feigning of psychiatric symptoms. It was not designed to conclude that an examinee is feigning or malingering psychiatric symptoms. A positive result on the M-FAST only indicates that additional data needs to be collected to make the aforementioned conclusions. Applying the M-FAST in any other way is a serious error on the part of the user. The research literature thus far generally supports the use of the M-FAST cut-off as a screening measure for possible feigning of psychiatric symptoms. However, there are scenarios when the M-FAST may not operate as efficiently, and these scenarios are discussed. Reference [1] misrepresented the purpose of the M-FAST as well as research findings on the M-FAST. Therefore, [1] should be read with great caution.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura D. Seligman ◽  
RaeAnn Elizabeth Anderson ◽  
Thomas H. Ollendick ◽  
Sheila A. M. Rauch ◽  
Wendy K. Silverman ◽  
...  

Successfully landing and then negotiating for your first position is an exciting and challenging task. In this paper, we use a narrative review to present the literature on gender and negotiation with a focus on academic psychology work contexts. We highlight important differences between factors that are within the individual’s control vs. factors at the institutional or societal level. Drawing directly from the research literature, we make several recommendations for women trying to manage negotiation in contexts that are likely biased against them at the institutional and cultural level. For example, we recommend that women take steps to reduce situational ambiguity, use niceness and assertion strategically, and cognitive re-framing to improve performance. We also make parallel recommendations for institutions, to create a more equal playing field in employment negotiations in academia. We conclude with expert advice on how to manage the important task of negotiation throughout the career from successful psychologists to contextualize the research findings at the personal level.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara E. Cormack ◽  
Jane E. Harding ◽  
Steven P. Miller ◽  
Frank H. Bloomfield

Extremely preterm babies are at increased risk of less than optimal neurodevelopment compared with their term-born counterparts. Optimising nutrition is a promising avenue to mitigate the adverse neurodevelopmental consequences of preterm birth. In this narrative review, we summarize current knowledge on how nutrition, and in particular, protein intake, affects neurodevelopment in extremely preterm babies. Observational studies consistently report that higher intravenous and enteral protein intakes are associated with improved growth and possibly neurodevelopment, but differences in methodologies and combinations of intravenous and enteral nutrition strategies make it difficult to determine the effects of each intervention. Unfortunately, there are few randomized controlled trials of nutrition in this population conducted to determine neurodevelopmental outcomes. Substantial variation in reporting of trials, both of nutritional intakes and of outcomes, limits conclusions from meta-analyses. Future studies to determine the effects of nutritional intakes in extremely preterm babies need to be adequately powered to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes separately in boys and girls, and designed to address the many potential confounders which may have clouded research findings to date. The development of minimal reporting sets and core outcome sets for nutrition research will aid future meta-analyses.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 41-51
Author(s):  
D. Detullio

Reference [1] presented pooled data for the specificity of the M-FAST cut-off, but ignored or excluded data based on poor justifications and used questionable analytic methods. The analyses here corrected the problems associated with [1]. No moderator substantively influenced sensitivity values. Therefore, sensitivity values were pooled across all studies (k = 25) to provide an overall estimate. Overall, the average sensitivity of the M-FAST cut-off was estimated to be 0.87, 95% CI [0.80, 0.91], and 80% of true sensitivity values were estimated to range from 0.63 to 0.96. Thus, there could be methodological scenarios when the M-FAST cut-off may not operate efficiently. Average specificity values for the M-FAST cut-off were moderated by one variable: the comparison group. On average, specificity values for clinical comparison (k = 15) groups (i.e., 0.80, 95% CI [0.73, 0.85]) were lower than specificity values for non-clinical comparison (k = 11) groups (i.e., 0.96, 95% CI [0.89, 0.99]). Unlike the CIs, the estimated distributions of true specificity values for the two subgroups overlapped, which suggests there could be scenarios when these subgroups share the same true specificity value. The M-FAST was designed to be a screener to detect potential feigning of psychiatric symptoms. An examinee is never to be designating as feigning or malingering psychiatric symptoms based on only a positive M-FAST result. As a screening instrument, the results here show that the M-FAST cut-off is operating adequately overall and negate the conclusions of [1].


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitza Davidovitch ◽  
Roman Yavich

In recent years the research literature has explored technological developments in varied areas that measure change. The current study focuses on the smart board, and its purpose is to examine its effect on the school system. The study was conducted via a questionnaire completed by 130 respondents (boys and girls) in the fifth and sixth grades of two elementary schools in Jerusalem—Efrata and Tali Gilo. Smart boards were introduced in these two schools in recent years.We hypothesized that smart boards improve teaching, based on the teaching measures developed by Nira Hativa of Tel Aviv University: order and organization, level of clarity, interest, and general level of satisfaction. The study’s significant finding is that the greatest improvement since the introduction of smart boards is in the variable of clarity, and a significant difference was found in the favor of sixth grade students. Additionally, a significant difference was found in the variable of interest, in favor of the girls. All four variables appear to be interrelated, and each contributes to the student’s success and to improving the student’s learning process.The research findings illuminate the contribution of technology to teaching, through a case study of smart boards, in the dimension of clarity, found by the study to be a significant criterion of good teaching. Examination of the various technological tools in light of their contribution to the research-proven dimensions of outstanding teaching might enhance the pedagogical contribution of technological developments to teaching.


2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 556-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy M. Salbach ◽  
Paula Veinot ◽  
Susan Rappolt ◽  
Mark Bayley ◽  
Dawn Burnett ◽  
...  

Background: Little is known about physical therapists’ experiences using research evidence to improve the delivery of stroke rehabilitation. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore how physical therapists use research evidence to update the clinical management of walking rehabilitation after stroke. Specific objectives were to identify physical therapists’ clinical questions related to walking rehabilitation, sources of information sought to address these questions, and factors influencing the incorporation of research evidence into practice. Design and Methods: Two authors conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 23 physical therapists who treat people with stroke and who had participated in a previous survey on evidence-based practice. Data were analyzed with a constant comparative approach to identify emerging themes. Results: Therapists commonly raised questions about the selection of treatments or outcome measures. Therapists relied foremost on peers for information because of their availability, ease of access, and minimal cost. Participants sought information from research literature themselves or with the help of librarians or students. Research syntheses (eg, systematic reviews) enabled access to a body of research. Older therapists described insufficient computer and search skills. Most participants considered appraisal and application of research findings challenging and identified insufficient time and peer isolation as organizational barriers to the use of research. Conclusions: Physical therapists require efficient access to research syntheses primarily to inform the measurement and treatment of walking limitation after stroke. Continuing education is needed to enhance skills in appraising research findings and applying them to practice. Older therapists require additional training to develop computer and search skills. Peer networks and student internships may optimize the exchange of new knowledge for therapists working in isolation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie J. Seltzer ◽  
Seth D. Pollak

AbstractThe translation of research findings from other primates to humans, and from infants to adults within our own species, requires great care. If the many neurological, behavioral and adaptive distinctions between these groups are not precisely defined and considered, erroneous conclusions about evolutionary history and developmental processes may result.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1100-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee D. Parker ◽  
Deryl Northcott

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and articulate concepts and approaches to qualitative generalisation that will offer qualitative accounting researchers avenues for enhancing and justifying the general applicability of their research findings and conclusions. Design/methodology/approach – The study and arguments draw from multidisciplinary approaches to this issue. The analysis and theorising is based on published qualitative research literatures from the fields of education, health sciences, sociology, information systems, management and marketing, as well as accounting. Findings – The paper develops two overarching generalisation concepts for application by qualitative accounting researchers. These are built upon a number of qualitative generalisation concepts that have emerged in the multidisciplinary literatures. It also articulates strategies for enhancing the generalisability of qualitative accounting research findings. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides qualitative accounting researchers with understandings, arguments and justifications for the generalisability of their research and the related potential for wider accounting and societal contributions. It also articulates the key factors that impact on the quality of research generalisation that qualitative researchers can offer. Originality/value – This paper presents the most comprehensively sourced and developed approach to the concepts, strategies and unique deliverables of qualitative generalising hitherto available in the accounting research literature.


2021 ◽  
pp. 47-51
Author(s):  
V. S. Pestrikova ◽  
A. D. Yarushin ◽  
V. V. Tarasov ◽  
D. N. Shkuratskiy

The article addresses serviceability of reinforcement in vertical mine shafts. The mathematical framework is presented for the dynamic processes in the capsule–reinforcement system. The main causes of the dynamic loads in the capsule–reinforcement system are discussed. The importance of the processes in the capsule–reinforcement system during movement of hoists in vertical mine shafts is emphasized. It is asserted that solely computational methods are not enough to analyze processes inside the capsule–reinforcement systems in shafts. It is required to examine actual parameters of shaft reinforcement, in particular, the actual stiffness of shaft guides. The actual measurement procedure of guide stiffness in potash mine shafts is presented. The full-scale tests data are set out in connection with the actual step of reinforcement in shafts. The actual and calculated values of stiffness of shaft guides are compared. Based on the obtained results, the variable stiffness coefficient is derived for the shaft guide stiffness for a few alternative of reinforcement step. Considering the described research findings and the many years-long experience gained in operation of mine shafts, the authors have drawn a conclusion on the necessity to take into account the factor of variable stiffness of guides in shaft design and construction in potash mines in the Upper Kama Potash–Magnesium Salt Deposit, especially in case when the shaft reinforcement step exceeds the project design standards.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Luh Angelianawati

Due to the many potential benefits and drama can offer in language learning, there has been a growing interest to use drama in ESL/EFL classrooms. However, the practice still causes many difficulties to both teachers and students due to several factors. This article reviews current theories and research findings on the use of drama in ESL/EFL teaching and learning to provide a better understanding of the use of drama to facilitate learning in EFL classrooms. It begins with current theories behind drama use in English learning. This section tries to clarify what drama is in the context of ESL/EFL, what benefits it offers, and what challenges teachers potentially meet. After that, the discussion focuses on a practical guideline for using drama in the classroom. It proceeds with a brief description of some useful drama techniques. The article ends by offering some concluding remarks.


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (4pt2) ◽  
pp. 1585-1600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine F. Walker ◽  
Hanan D. Trotman ◽  
Sandra M. Goulding ◽  
Carrie W. Holtzman ◽  
Arthur T. Ryan ◽  
...  

AbstractPsychotic disorders continue to be among the most disabling and scientifically challenging of all mental illnesses. Accumulating research findings suggest that the etiologic processes underlying the development of these disorders are more complex than had previously been assumed. At the same time, this complexity has revealed a wider range of potential options for preventive intervention, both psychosocial and biological. In part, these opportunities result from our increased understanding of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the neurodevelopmental mechanisms involved in the disease process, as well as the evidence that many of these entail processes that are malleable. In this article, we review the burgeoning research literature on the prodrome to psychosis, based on studies of individuals who meet clinical high risk criteria. This literature has examined a range of factors, including cognitive, genetic, psychosocial, and neurobiological. We then turn to a discussion of some contemporary models of the etiology of psychosis that emphasize the prodromal period. These models encompass the origins of vulnerability in fetal development, as well as postnatal stress, the immune response, and neuromaturational processes in adolescent brain development that appear to go awry during the prodrome to psychosis. Then, informed by these neurodevelopmental models of etiology, we turn to the application of new research paradigms that will address critical issues in future investigations. It is expected that these studies will play a major role in setting the stage for clinical trials aimed at preventive intervention.


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