scholarly journals Validation of a Behavior Test for Predicting Puppies’ Suitability as Detection Dogs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 993
Author(s):  
Lucia Lazarowski ◽  
Bart Rogers ◽  
Sarah Krichbaum ◽  
Pamela Haney ◽  
Jordan G. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Behavioral Characteristics ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
One Year ◽  
Detection Dog ◽  
Behavior Test

Behavioral characteristics are the most influential factor in the success of a working dog. The need for highly capable detection dogs continues to rise; but reliable methods for early selection are lacking. The current study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a behavioral test for assessing detection dog suitability. A cohort of candidate detection dog puppies (n = 60) were tested at 3; 5; and 11 months of age; as well as at the completion of training at approximately one year. Tests were designed to assess important detection dog behavioral characteristics such as search ability and fearfulness. Inter-rater reliability was high between independent observers. Convergent validity was demonstrated by comparing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scores from the behavior test to trainer ratings using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and a survey of detection dog traits. Performance on the behavior test predicted adult selection as a detection dog as early as 3 months. The methods reported will be valuable for improving selection measures and enhancing collaborations across breeding programs in order to increase the availability of highly capable detection dogs.

scholarly journals The Reliability and Validity of the Australian Moral Disengagement Scale

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-149
Author(s):  
Nicola C. Newton ◽  
Lexine A. Stapinski ◽  
Katrina E. Champion ◽  
Maree Teesson ◽  
Kay Bussey
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Cross Validation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
The Individual

Background: The present study explored the reliability, validity, and factor structure of a modified version of the Moral Disengagement Scale (MDS), which comprehensively assesses proneness to disengage from different forms of conduct specific to Australian adolescents. Methods: A sample of 452 students (Mage = 12.79; SD = 1.93) completed the modified MDS and the Australian Self-Report Delinquency Scale. A multistep approach was used to evaluate the factor structure of the MDS. The sample was divided into exploratory (n = 221) and cross-validation samples (n = 231). Principal component analysis was conducted with the exploratory sample and multiple factor solutions compared to determine the optimal factor structure of the modified MDS. The final factor solution was confirmed in the cross-validation sample using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the final scale and convergent validity with the delinquency questionnaire was also assessed. Results: Analyses resulted in a 22-item MDS for use in Australia, with four factors mapping onto the four conceptual categories of moral disengagement. The individual subscales demonstrated adequate to good internal consistency, and the total scale also demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.87). Convergent validity of the scale was established. Conclusions: The 22-item Australian MDS is a reliable and valid instrument for use within an Australian population.

Establishing the Technical Adequacy of Functional Behavioral Assessment: Conceptual and Measurement Challenges

2003 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank M. Gresham
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Functional Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behavioral Function ◽  
Technical Adequacy ◽  
School Settings

Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is being used increasingly in schools as a potentially effective means of matching intervention strategies to behavioral function. The unqualified use of FBA often is driven more by legal and policy decisions than by sound empirical data dictating its efficacy in all cases. Two fundamental questions have not been adequately answered by the FBA literature: (a) Are interventions matched to the operant function of behavior more effective than interventions not matched to the function of behavior? and (b) Can researchers and practitioners determine behavioral function reliably and accurately? The author presents conceptual and measurement challenges surrounding the use of FBA in school settings, as well as evidence for the technical adequacy of FBA procedures in terms of reliability and validity. The research to date has not marshaled adequate empirical evidence for the reliability of determining behavioral function, investigation of the conditions under which behavioral function is stable or unstable over time, the convergent validity of indirect and direct FBA methods, validity generalization, decision validity, and social validity of FBA. Finally there is insufficient empirical evidence to suggest that interventions matched to behavioral function are more effective than behavioral interventions not based on an FBA. Future research agendas and strategies are discussed to improve the technical adequacy of FBA in school settings for students with emotional or behavioral disorders.

The New Friends Vignettes: Measuring parental psychological control that confers risk for anxious adjustment in preschoolers

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 481-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly E. McShane ◽  
Paul D. Hastings
Keyword(s):  
Internalizing Problems ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Psychological Control ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Supportive Parenting ◽  
Social Difficulties ◽  
Good Internal Consistency ◽  
Internalizing Difficulties ◽  
One Year ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

This investigation examined the links between preschoolers’ internalizing problems and anxiety-related social difficulties and two aspects of maternal and paternal psychological control: overprotection and critical control. Some 115 mothers and 92 fathers completed the New Friends Vignettes (NFV), a new measure of psychological control and supportive parenting designed to assess parenting relevant to young children’s internalizing problems and anxiety. Children’s anxious behaviors with peers at daycare or preschool were observed, mothers reported on preschoolers’ internalizing problems, and teachers reported on children’s internalizing problems and isolated behaviors. The NFV scales demonstrated good internal consistency and one-year test—retest reliability for mothers and fathers, and moderate convergent validity with observed parenting for mothers. Maternal overprotection and paternal critical control predicted more internalizing problems and anxious adjustment in preschoolers, with some associations being stronger for sons than daughters. Conversely, paternal supportiveness predicted fewer internalizing difficulties at preschool in daughters only. Children’s anxious behaviors predicted increasing paternal overprotection, and their internalizing problems at home and preschool tended to predict increasing maternal overprotection and critical control. Results support the reliability and validity of the New Friends Vignettes, and are indicative of parent differences in socialization processes, gender differences in risk for internalizing problems, and possible bidirectional pathways of influence in the socialization of internalizing trajectories.

scholarly journals Unembodiment in the Internet. Part 2. Psychometric Verification of the Questionnaire

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-233
Author(s):  
N.V. Kopteva ◽  
A.Yu. Kalugin ◽  
L.Ya. Dorfman
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Modern Information ◽  
Embodied Self

The purpose of present study is to develop and verify the questionnaire aimed at assessing the degree of unembodiment in the Internet as a consequence of using modern information technologies. The use of modern information technologies is associated with disembodiment, liberation of the Self from the body and related experiences. Immersion in virtual reality and “disembodiment” can cause the existential position of “unembodiement”, the features of which, according to the concept of the English psychologist R. Lang, are most clearly manifested in the clinic of schizoids. The study was conducted in the form of a psychodiagnostic survey, during which the reliability and validity of the developed method for assessing unembodiement on the Internet was tested. The main sample of the study was 809 people (31% of males), mostly university students, aged 17 to 25 years (M=18.73; SD=0.98). Smaller samples were used to study convergent and discriminant validity: 423, 324, 148 and 128 people. Correlations with measures of psychological consequences of Internet use, self-efficacy and life-meaning orientations reported convergent validity, and correlations with measures of intelligence and creativity reported discriminant validity. The results of principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFI=0.936, TLI=0.925, RMSEA=0.055, SRMR=0.059) confirm the construct validity of the method, which includes three subscales (Unembodiment as Virtualization, The Preference of the Internet, and Vitality of the Embodied Self) and a general scale (Unembodiment in the Internet). The one-step reliability of the scales varied from 0.7 to 0.9. The scales Vitality of the Embodied Self and The Preference of the Internet had a high level of discrimination, the scale Unembodiment as virtualization ― moderate. The developed questionnaire meets the requirements of validity and reliability and can be used to study the phenomenon of unembodiment on the Internet.

Validation of the Digital Eye Strain Questionnaire and pilot application to online gaming addicts

2022 ◽  
pp. 112067212110732
Author(s):  
Ioanna Mylona ◽  
Mikes N. Glynatsis ◽  
Maria Dermenoudi ◽  
Nikolaos M. Glynatsis ◽  
Georgios D Floros
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Gaming Addiction ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Computer Vision Syndrome ◽  
Explained Variance

Introduction ‘Digital eye strain’ (DES) is a clinical syndrome with eyesight symptoms related to continuous engagement in front of a screen-enabled digital device. With use of these devices constantly on the rise, the related symptoms have become prominent, even in younger ages. This study describes the process of validating the Digital Eye Strain Questionnaire (DESQ), a thirteen-item self-report scale in a yes-no format designed to offer a measure of complaints related to digital eye strain syndrome (DES). Methods The validation process included 150 outpatients with no long-standing eye disease who were examined for various eye complaints and 50 outpatients who were diagnosed with gaming addiction according to WHO ICD-11 clinical criteria. All participants filled in a demographics questionnaire, the DESQ, the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-9 (PIUQ-9). Results Principal component analysis of categorical variables confirmed the proposed three-factor DES structure with a total of 61.02% of explained variance and Cronbach's alpha equal to.94. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing the results of the DESQ to the CVS-Q while convergent validity was assessed by examining correlations of the DESQ with results from the PIUQ-9 questionnaire. In all cases the DESQ demonstrated excellent reliability and validity. Conclusions Results indicate that the DESQ questionnaire can be employed to reliably measure the symptomatology of digital eye strain in clinical populations who present either with eye issues or with excessive use of the gaming and screen-enabled devices in general.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Young-Rygh Avoidance Inventory

2021 ◽  
pp. JCPSY-D-19-00024
Author(s):  
Gonca Soygüt ◽  
İ. Volkan Gülüm ◽  
H. Alp Karaosmanoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Likelihood Estimation ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Symptom Check List ◽  
Survival Mechanisms

Coping styles such as overcompensation and avoidance are attempts that developed as survival mechanisms in difficult childhood environments. The objective of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Young-Rygh Avoidance Inventory (YRAI). The sample (n = 1,555) randomly split into two groups to run principal component and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). A parallel analysis was run to determine the factor number. CFA was carried out with maximum likelihood estimation robust method. Eight factors with 30 items were the final form of the Turkish YRAI. Cronbach alpha levels of each factor and inter-correlations with the Turkish Young Schema Questionnaire, Symptom Check List-90 revised, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were calculated. Internal consistency analysis revealed acceptable coefficients. As to convergent validity, the correlational analysis showed statistically significant coefficients. Overall, the Turkish YRAI was found to have acceptable levels of reliability and validity.

scholarly journals FACTOR STRUCTURE OF THE UPDATED ILLINOIS RAPE MYTH ACCEPTANCE SCALE IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-73
Author(s):  
Ivan Das ◽  
Anjana Bhattacharjee
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
The Other ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Acceptance Scale ◽  
Myth Acceptance

This study explores the factor structure and the other psychometric properties of the updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMAS), in the Indian context. The sample was collected from 429 college and university students in the state of Tripura in India. All the items in the original scale were retained and five major factors were revealed by Principal Component Analysis. The model was deemed to be a good fit by the estimates of Confirmatory Factor Analysis. All the five factors derived were found to be reliable. The divergent validity of the study was verified; however, the convergent validity was ascribed from the high composite reliability of the factors. Different other measures like item-total, inter-item correlation strengthened the foundation of reliability and validity of the scale. The full scale was found to possess satisfactory reliability. The gender difference in the total test scores was assessed and found to be significant. The other details are discussed herein.

Using Principal Component Scores to Enhance the Validity and Reliability of Big Five Personality Measures

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-93
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Cucina ◽  
Nicholas L. Vasilopoulos ◽  
Arwen H. DeCostanza
Keyword(s):  
Big Five ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Scoring Method ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Big Five Factors ◽  
Component Scores

Abstract. Varimax rotated principal component scores (VRPCS) have previously been offered as a possible solution to the non-orthogonality of scores for the Big Five factors. However, few researchers have examined the reliability and validity of VRPCS. To address this gap, we use a lab study and a field study to investigate whether using VRPCS increase orthogonality, reliability, and criterion-related validity. Compared to the traditional unit-weighting scoring method, the use of VRPCS enhanced the reliability and discriminant validity of the Big Five factors, although there was little improvement in criterion-related validity. Results are discussed in terms of the benefit of using VRPCS instead of traditional unit-weighted sum scores.

How Czecho-Slovakia Bounces Back: Population-Based Validation of the Brief Resilience Scale in Two Central European Countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 003329412110296
Author(s):  
Jana Furstova ◽  
Natalia Kascakova ◽  
Iva Polackova Solcova ◽  
Jozef Hasto ◽  
Peter Tavel
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Best Fit

Objective In recent years, resilience has become a focus of research in the medical and behavioral sciences. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was developed to assess the individual ability to recover from stress (“to bounce back”) after experiencing adversities. The aim of the study was to validate the Czech and Slovak versions of the BRS. Methods A representative sample of the Czech and Slovak populations (NCZ = 1800, mean age MCZ = 46.6, SDCZ = 17.4, 48.7% of men; NSK = 1018, mean age MSK = 46.2, SDSK = 16.6, 48.7% men) completed a survey assessing their health and well-being. Several confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models of the BRS were compared to find the best fit. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients of reliability were evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating resilience (BRS), physical and mental well-being (SF-8) and psychopathology symptoms (BSI-53). Differences in gender and age groups were appraised. Results A single-factor model with method effects on the reverse items was evaluated to best fit the data in both the Czech and Slovak samples (χ2CZ(6) = 39.0, p < 0.001, CFICZ = 0.998, TLICZ = 0.995, RMSEACZ = 0.055, SRMRCZ = 0.024; χ2SK(6) = 23.9, p < 0.001, CFISK = 0.998, TLISK = 0.995, RMSEASK = 0.054, SRMRSK = 0.009). The reliability was high in both samples (αCZ = 0.80, ωCZ = 0.85; αSK = 0.86, ωSK = 0.91). The BRS was positively associated with physical and mental well-being and negatively associated with somatization, depression and anxiety. In both countries, a lower BRS score was associated with higher age. Czech men reported significantly higher BRS scores than women. No significant difference was found in the mean BRS scores between the two countries. Conclusion This study provides evidence of good psychometric properties, reliability and validity of the Czech and Slovak adaptations of the BRS.

scholarly journals Genetic variability and genome-wide association analysis of flavor and texture in cooked beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber Bassett ◽  
Kelvin Kamfwa ◽  
Daniel Ambachew ◽  
Karen Cichy
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Flavor Intensity ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
White Bean ◽  
The Usa ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
End Use

Abstract Key message Cooked bean flavor and texture vary within and across 20 Andean seed types; SNPs are significantly associated with total flavor, beany, earthy, starchy, bitter, seed-coat perception, and cotyledon texture. Abstract Common dry beans are a nutritious food recognized as a staple globally, but their consumption is low in the USA. Improving bean flavor and texture through breeding has the potential to improve consumer acceptance and suitability for new end-use products. Little is known about genetic variability and inheritance of bean sensory characteristics. A total of 430 genotypes of the Andean Diversity Panel representing twenty seed types were grown in three locations, and cooked seeds were evaluated by a trained sensory panel for flavor and texture attribute intensities, including total flavor, beany, vegetative, earthy, starchy, sweet, bitter, seed-coat perception, and cotyledon texture. Extensive variation in sensory attributes was found across and within seed types. A set of genotypes was identified that exhibit extreme attribute intensities generally stable across all three environments. seed-coat perception and total flavor intensity had the highest broad-sense heritability (0.39 and 0.38, respectively), while earthy and vegetative intensities exhibited the lowest (0.14 and 0.15, respectively). Starchy and sweet flavors were positively correlated and highest in white bean genotypes according to principal component analysis. SNPs associated with total flavor intensity (six SNPs across three chromosomes), beany (five SNPs across four chromosomes), earthy (three SNPs across two chromosomes), starchy (one SNP), bitter (one SNP), seed-coat perception (three SNPs across two chromosomes), and cotyledon texture (two SNPs across two chromosomes) were detected. These findings lay a foundation for incorporating flavor and texture in breeding programs for the development of new varieties that entice growers, consumers, and product developers alike.

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