scholarly journals Who's the Boss? Assessing Convergent Validity of Aggression Based Dominance Measures in Male Laboratory Mice, Mus Musculus

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Barabas ◽  
Jeffrey R. Lucas ◽  
Marisa A. Erasmus ◽  
Heng-Wei Cheng ◽  
Brianna N. Gaskill
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Home Cage ◽  
Dominance Rank ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Social Investigation ◽  
Tube Test

Aggression among group housed male mice continues to challenge laboratory animal researchers because mitigation strategies are generally applied at the cage level without a good understanding of how it affects the dominance hierarchy. Aggression within a group is typically displayed by the dominant mouse targeting lower ranking subordinates; thus, the strategies for preventing aggression may be more successful if applied specifically to the dominant mouse. Unfortunately, dominance rank is often not assessed because of time intensive observations or tests. Several correlates of dominance status have been identified, but none have been directly compared to home cage behavior in standard housing. This study assessed the convergent validity of three dominance correlates (urinary darcin, tube test score, preputial gland to body length ratio) with wound severity and rankings based on home cage behavior, using factor analysis. Discriminant validity with open field measures was assessed to determine if tube test scores are independent of anxiety. Cages were equally split between SJL and albino C57BL/6 strains and group sizes of 3 or 5 (N = 24). Home cage behavior was observed during the first week, and dominance measures were recorded over the second. After controlling for strain and group size, darcin and preputial ratio had strong loadings on the same factor, which was a significant predictor of home cage ranking showing strong convergent validity. Tube test scores were not significantly impacted by open field data, showing discriminant validity. Social network analysis revealed that despotic power structures were prevalent, aggressors were typically more active and rested away from cage mates, and the amount of social investigation and aggression performed by an individual were highly correlated. Data from this study show that darcin and preputial ratio are representative of home cage aggression and provide further insight into individual behavior patterns in group housed male mice.

scholarly journals Estrogen Increases Locomotor Activity in Mice through Estrogen Receptor α: Specificity for the Type of Activity

Endocrinology ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 144 (1) ◽  
pp. 230-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonoko Ogawa ◽  
Johnny Chan ◽  
Jan-Åke Gustafsson ◽  
Kenneth S. Korach ◽  
Donald W. Pfaff
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Home Cage ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Open Field Activity ◽  
Running Wheel ◽  
Field Activity ◽  
Wheel Activity ◽  
Estrogenic Regulation

Abstract Estrogens are known to increase running wheel activity of rodents primarily by acting on the medial preoptic area (mPOA). The mechanisms of this estrogenic regulation of running wheel activity are not completely understood. In particular, little is known about the separate roles of two types of estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, both of which are expressed in mPOA neurons. In the present study the effects of continuous estrogen treatment on running wheel activity were examined in male and female mice specifically lacking either the ERα (αERKO) or the ERβ (βERKO) gene. Mice were gonadectomized and 1 wk later implanted with either a low dose (16 ng/d) or a high dose (160 ng/d) of estradiol benzoate (EB) or with a placebo control pellet. Home cage running wheel activity was recorded for 9 d starting 10 d after EB implants. The same mice were also tested for open field activity before and after EB implants. In both female and male αERKO mice, running wheel activity was not different from that in corresponding wild-type (αWT) mice in placebo control groups. In both females and males it was increased by EB only in αWT, not αERKO, mice. In βERKO mice, on the other hand, both doses of EB equally increased running wheel activity in both sexes just as they did in βWT mice. Absolute numbers of daily revolutions of EB-treated groups, however, were significantly lower in βERKO females compared with βWT females. Before EB treatment, gonadectomized αERKO female were significantly less active than αWT mice in open field tests, whereas βERKO females tended to be more active than βWT mice. In male mice there were no effect of ERα or ERβ gene knockout on open field activity. Unlike its effect on running wheel activity, EB treatment induced only a small increase in open field activity in female, but not male, mice. These findings indicate that 1) in both sexes estrogenic regulation of running wheel activity is primarily mediated through the ERα, not the ERβ; and 2) hormone/genotype effects are specific to the type of locomotor activity (i.e. home cage running wheel activity and open field activity) measured.

Chemically Contaminated Eel Fed to Pregnant and Lactating Mouse Dams Causes Hyperactivity in Their Offspring

2016 ◽  
Vol 86 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 36-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imen Dridi ◽  
Nidhal Soualeh ◽  
Torsten Bohn ◽  
Rachid Soulimani ◽  
Jaouad Bouayed
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Home Cage ◽  
Anguilla Anguilla ◽  
Acetylcholinesterase Activity ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Cage Test

Abstract.This study examined whether perinatal exposure to polluted eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) induces changes in the locomotor activity of offspring mice across lifespan (post-natal days (PNDs) 47 – 329), using the open field and the home cage activity tests. Dams were exposed during gestation and lactation, through diets enriched in eels naturally contaminated with pollutants including PCBs. Analysis of the eel muscle focused on the six non-dioxin-like (NDL) indicator PCBs (Σ6 NDL-PCBs: 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180). Four groups of dams (n = 10 per group) received either a standard diet without eels or eels (0.8 mg/kg/day) containing 85, 216, or 400 ng/kg/day of ϵ6 NDL-PCBs. The open field test showed that early-life exposure to polluted eels increased locomotion in female offspring of exposed dams but not in males, compared to controls. This hyperlocomotion appeared later in life, at PNDs 195 and 329 (up to 32 % increase, p < 0.05). In addition, overactivity was observed in the home cage test at PND 305: exposed offspring females showed a faster overall locomotion speed (3.6 – 4.2 cm/s) than controls (2.9 cm/s, p <0.05); again, males remained unaffected. Covered distances in the home cage test were only elevated significantly in offspring females exposed to highest PCB concentrations (3411 ± 590 cm vs. 1377 ± 114 cm, p < 0.001). These results suggest that early-life exposure to polluted eels containing dietary contaminants including PCBs caused late, persistent and gender-dependent neurobehavioral hyperactive effects in offspring mice. Furthermore, female hyperactivity was associated with a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex.

CODEM Instrument

GeroPsych ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Kuemmel (This author contributed eq ◽  
Julia Haberstroh (This author contributed ◽  
Johannes Pantel
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Communication Behavior ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Pearson's R ◽  
Pearson’S R

Communication and communication behaviors in situational contexts are essential conditions for well-being and quality of life in people with dementia. Measuring methods, however, are limited. The CODEM instrument, a standardized observational communication behavior assessment tool, was developed and evaluated on the basis of the current state of research in dementia care and social-communicative behavior. Initially, interrater reliability was examined by means of videoratings (N = 10 people with dementia). Thereupon, six caregivers in six German nursing homes observed 69 residents suffering from dementia and used CODEM to rate their communication behavior. The interrater reliability of CODEM was excellent (mean κ = .79; intraclass correlation = .91). Statistical analysis indicated that CODEM had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .95). CODEM also showed excellent convergent validity (Pearson’s R = .88) as well as discriminant validity (Pearson’s R = .63). Confirmatory factor analysis verified the two-factor solution of verbal/content aspects and nonverbal/relationship aspects. With regard to the severity of the disease, the content and relational aspects of communication exhibited different trends. CODEM proved to be a reliable, valid, and sensitive assessment tool for examining communication behavior in the field of dementia. CODEM also provides researchers a feasible examination tool for measuring effects of psychosocial intervention studies that strive to improve communication behavior and well-being in dementia.

Validation of the German Version of the Exercise Dependence Scale

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Müller ◽  
Laurence Claes ◽  
Dirk Smits ◽  
Olaf Gefeller ◽  
Anja Hilbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Exercise Dependence ◽  
German Population ◽  
German Version ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Eating Disorder Examination ◽  
Dependence Scale

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the German version of the 21-item Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS-G), which was administered in a large representative German sample (N = 1,611). In order to examine convergent validity, we also asked participants to answer the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). To investigate the discriminant validity, clients of fitness centers (N = 129), sport students (N = 85), and medical students (N = 129) filled out the EDS-G. In this German population-based sample, the seven-factor structure suggested by the original authors as well as a higher-order model (7 + 1 factor model) were supported. The total EDS-G scale showed an excellent internal reliability and was positively related to the EDE-Q total and subscale scores. The EDS-G scores differentiated between samples with varying degrees of exercise. In summary, the results indicate that the EDS-G is a psychometrically sound and potentially valid brief measure for the assessment of exercise dependence symptoms.

Development and Construct Validation of the German Workplace Trust Survey (G-WTS)

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock ◽  
Simone Kauffeld
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Organizational Trust ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Reliable Assessment ◽  
Workplace Trust

In research on trust in the organizational context, there is some agreement evolving that trust should be measured with respect to various foci. The Workplace Trust Survey (WTS) by Ferres (2002) provides reliable assessment of coworker, supervisor, and organizational trust. By means of a functionally equivalent translation, we developed a German version of the questionnaire (G-WTS) comprising 21 items. A total of 427 employees were surveyed with the G-WTS and questionnaires concerning several work-related attitudes and behaviors and 92 of these completed the survey twice. The hypothesized three-dimensional conceptualization of organizational trust was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The G-WTS showed good internal consistency and retest reliability values. Concerning convergent validity, all of the three G-WTS dimensions positively predicted job satisfaction. In terms of discriminant validity, Coworker Trust enhanced group cohesion; Supervisor Trust fostered innovative behavior, while Organizational Trust was associated with affective commitment. Theoretical and practical contributions as well as opportunities for future research with the G-WTS are discussed.

Development of the Fear of Intimacy Components Questionnaire (FICQ)

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Pedro Sobral ◽  
Maria Emília Costa
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fear Of Intimacy ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract. We developed a new instrument designed to measure fear of intimacy in romantic relationships. We suggest assessing fear of intimacy through two dimensions: self-revelation and dependence. The Fear of Intimacy Components Questionnaire (FICQ) was validated across three studies in which a 10-item solution systematically emerged. Consistently with a two component perspective, a two-factor solution fitted data the best: fear of losing the self (FLS) and fear of losing the other (FLO). Qualitative analyses verified content validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses tested the factor structure. Multigroup analyses supported the structural invariance across gender, age, and relationship status. Both factors showed adequate discriminant validity and internal consistency, and good 3-week period test-retest reliability. Associations between the FICQ and insecure attachment orientations demonstrated convergent validity. The association between the FICQ and relationship satisfaction above and beyond a preexisting measure offered criterion validity. By going beyond traditional self-revelation-focused conception of fear of intimacy, that is, by proposing a bi-dimensional structure to fear of intimacy, we believe that this new measure will contribute to future research on fear of intimacy.

PENGEMBANGAN SKALA LOCUS OF CONTROL

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-424
Author(s):  
Hendryadi Hendryadi
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Employee Selection ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Control Scale ◽  
Two Stages

This article aims to develop a short form of the locus of control scale. The study was conducted in two stages: a study of 66 respondents as pilot testing which aims to test content validity, structure validity, and internal consistency. Study 2 was conducted on 328 respondents used to test the validity and reliability of the scale evaluated by the PLS-SEM method (such as internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity). The analysis concludes that the 8-item locus of control scales tested have adequate validity and reliability. A short form locus of control scale was developed and validated in this study, so it can be used in future research and evaluation for HR management practitioners in employee selection Keywords: locus of control, EFA, CFA, scale construction

An empirically verified project risk maturity model

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Budi Hartono ◽  
Deo F.N. Wijaya ◽  
Hilya M. Arini
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Project Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Maturity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and to empirically verify a model of project risk management maturity (PRMM). Design/methodology/approach – Theoretical work to develop the initial model of risk maturity. Empirical study by a cross-sectional survey to the Indonesian construction industry. Findings – A new model of PRMM is developed and empirically tested. The model is valid (face validity, content validity, discriminant validity, convergent validity, and criterion validity) and reliable. Research limitations/implications – A more comprehensive, follow-up study is required to gain more insights on the actual maturity level of Indonesian construction industry. Practical implications – The model is applicable to assess the organizational maturity level which in turn could be used for improving organization performance. Originality/value – The work demonstrates a novel approach in developing models by emphasizing on the empirical verification.

scholarly journals Development of the Adult Pandemic Attitude Scale (A-PAS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6311
Author(s):  
Mihyeon Seong ◽  
Juyoung Park ◽  
Soojin Chung ◽  
Sohyune Sok
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Item Analysis ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Development Step

This study aimed to develop an instrument for measuring the attitudes that reflect the characteristics of the pandemic (Adult Pandemic Attitude Scale (A-PAS)) and verifying its validity and reliability. This study used a methodological research design and was conducted with a development step and an evaluation step. The development step included development of preliminary items, content validity, face validity, and preliminary investigation. The evaluation step included item analysis, construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, factor naming, reliability, and completion of the final instrument. The A-PAS developed in this study consisted of a total of 20 items in five dimensions. The internal consistency of 20 items of the A-PAS, Cronbach’s α was 0.92 for 20 items, Cronbach’s α for each factor, a subscale of instrument, was 0.61~0.87 and Raykov’s p coefficient of each factor, which is a subscale of the tool, was found to be 0.60 to 0.88. Analysis of construct validity showed the results as follows: χ2 (p) = 134.05 (p < 0.001), RMSEA = 0.02, RMR = 0.02, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99. The study findings suggest that the developed instrument can be utilized to measure the attitudes of adults toward pandemics, and reflect the reality of the pandemic situation. The outcomes can be used as valuable data for intervention, prevention activities, and policy preparation. The instrument will be applied in the event of a pandemic, such as COVID-19, and will be helpful in promoting the health of the people.

scholarly journals NCOG-70. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF A NEW SELF-REPORT INDEX OF COGNITIVE CONCERNS IN BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii145-ii145
Author(s):  
Giuliana Zarrella ◽  
Alice Perez ◽  
Jorg Dietrich ◽  
Michael Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Measurement Information ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract INTRODUCTION Subjective cognitive dysfunction is an important outcome measure in neuro-oncology and may provide additional information beyond performance-based neuropsychological testing. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) is a frequently used quality of life (QoL) measure that includes indices of physical, emotional, social, and neurologic aspects of disease, but does not measure cognitive concerns. This study seeks to develop and validate an index of self-reported cognition derived from existing items on the FACT-Br. METHODS 145 patients (Mage=51.08, Medu=15.63) with heterogeneous brain tumor diagnoses completed neuropsychological evaluation including cognitive testing and self-report measures. Nine FACT-Br items regarding cognition were combined to form the Cognitive Index (CI). Reliability of the CI was measured with Cronbach’s alpha. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating the CI with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Cognitive Abilities-8 or PROMIS Cognitive Concerns-8. Discriminant validity was assessed by correlation of the CI with other FACT-Br indices and the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI, BAI). RESULTS Internal consistency within the CI was high (Cronbach’s a 0.864). The CI correlated strongly with the PROMIS-Abilities (r =.680; p&lt; 0.001) and PROMIS-Concerns (r=.780; p&lt; 0.001) indicating high convergent validity. Moderate correlations were observed between the CI and the physical and functional subscales of the FACT (r=.453 and .555), whereas correlations with the social and emotional functioning subscales were weaker (r=.381 and .325). The FACT-Br-CI correlated strongly with BDI (r=-.622) and more weakly with the BAI (r=-.344). Consistent with prior literature, the CI showed modest correlations with neuropsychological measures, including verbal memory encoding (r=.300), verbal fluency (r=.252) and a composite measure of cognition (r=.249; all p’s&lt; .01). CONCLUSIONS The FACT-Br-CI is a reliable and valid measure of self-reported cognition. Studies that include the FACT-Br could be retrospectively analyzed to assess self-reported cognitive outcomes, enriching the information gained from prior research.

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