scholarly journals Who Supports Polish Educational Reforms? Exploring Actors’ and Observers’ Attitudes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
Maciej Karwowski ◽  
Bogusław Milerski
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Educational Reforms ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Total N ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

This investigation is based on eight extensive empirical studies (total N = 12,294) supplemented by automated analysis of online data, to examine attitudes toward educational reforms introduced in Poland in 2017. We explore the attitudes within groups categorized as actors (people directly affected by the reform, namely students and parents) and observers (the general population). The Attitudes Toward Educational Reform Scale (ATERS) was developed and validated. ATERS psychometric properties were examined using item response theory and confirmatory factor analyses, while the differences between groups were summarized meta-analytically. Consistently with expectations, we observed that the overall attitude toward the reform was negative, and the strength of this negative attitude increased along with being more directly affected by the changes introduced by it. While the general population held a relatively neutral attitude toward the reform, the attitude was clearly negative among parents and students. We discuss reasons and consequences of these findings.

scholarly journals Examining the Quasi-Public Spaces in Commercial Complexes

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1830
Author(s):  
Noman Sahito ◽  
Haoying Han ◽  
Thuy Van Thi Nguyen ◽  
Insin Kim ◽  
Jinsoo Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Western City ◽  
And Function ◽  
Physical Features ◽  
Made In

Commercial complexes are steadily expanding in size and function and plying roles as quasi-public spaces. This study investigated quasi-public spaces in contemporary commercial complexes by posting two questions: the physical features of quasi-public spaces in commercial complexes and how these characteristics promote sociability in commercial complexes? To answers these questions, a questionnaire survey was administered, and various observations were made in Intime City, Wanda Plaza and Western City Square, three prominent commercial complexes in Hangzhou City (Zhejiang Province, China), to enrich the analysis. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the collected data. The results show that commercial complexes are also used as quasi-public spaces: they provide a more secure and well-maintained environment, playful conversations take place freely and democratically, promote socialization, and also increase consumption. In the existing literature, there is a dearth of theoretical and empirical studies on the emergence of quasi-public spaces.

scholarly journals Preprint - The painful duality of envy: Evidence for an integrative theory and a meta-analysis on the relation of envy and schadenfreude

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Lange ◽  
Aaron C. Weidman ◽  
Jan Crusius
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Total N ◽  
Comprehensive Theory ◽  
Malicious Envy ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Benign Envy ◽  
Data Driven Approach

Despite envy’s importance as a driver of social behavior, scholars disagree on its conceptualization. We review the literature and distinguish three incongruent theories: (a) Malicious Envy Theory (i.e., envy as uniform and malicious), (b) Dual Envy Theory (i.e., envy as taking on two forms, benign and malicious), and (c) Pain Theory of Envy (i.e., envy as uniform and driven by pain). Moreover, within and across theories, operationalizations of envy have included various different components. We integrate these conceptualizations using a data-driven approach, deriving a comprehensive theory of envy in five studies (total N = 1,237)—the Pain-driven Dual Envy (PaDE) Theory. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of an exhaustive set of envy components (Studies 1-4) suggest that envy consists of three factors: Pain (i.e., preoccupation with the envy-eliciting situation, inferiority), predicts both benign envy (i.e., desire for the envy object, improvement motivation, emulation of the other), and malicious envy (i.e., communication about the other, directed aggression, nondirected aggression). An experience-sampling study (Study 5) suggests that pain constitutes a quickly fading reaction, whereas benign and malicious envy are enduring attitudinal constructs. We apply this theory in a meta-analysis on the controversial relation of envy and schadenfreude (N = 4,366), finding that envy and schadenfreude are more strongly and positively correlated to the extent that the respective research operationalizes envy as malicious, compared to as pain or benign envy. We discuss how the PaDE Theory can illuminate research on envy in diverse settings, and envy’s relation to other distinct emotions.

scholarly journals Krasko, Intelisano, Luhmann - Measuring the Complexity of Lay Definitions of Happiness and Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Krasko ◽  
Sabrina Intelisano ◽  
Maike Luhmann
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Item Pool ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Total N ◽  
Lay People ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

People differ in how they define and pursue happiness and well-being (HWB). We introduce the concept of complexity of HWB definitions to describe how many HWB definitions people endorse simultaneously, and the concept balance of HWB-related intentions to describe how many unique facets of HWB people intend to pursue in everyday life. To operationalize these novel concepts, we developed the DIDI scales in two independent studies (total N = 542), which are two parallel measures to assess HWB definitions and their complexity and HWB-related intentions and their balance. Integrating psychological and philosophical definitions of HWB, we created and tested an item pool using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Eight reliable and valid factors can be distinguished for both parallel scales: absence of negativity, positive attitude, tranquility, personal development, luck, joy and desires, purpose, and belonging. The investigated constructs were positively associated with well-being. HWB-related intentions and their balance emerged as more important for the experience of well-being than HWB definitions and their complexity. The DIDI scales include HWB definitions that have previously not been included in similar scales, despite being important for lay people (e.g., tranquility, luck) and thereby allow a nuanced investigation of lay people’s approaches to HWB. These studies highlight the importance of a multifaceted definition and pursuit of HWB for the actual levels of well-being.

scholarly journals Internal reliability, homogeneity, and factor structure of the ten-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) with two additional response categories

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Bertrams
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Attention To Detail

Abstract The ten-item short form of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) has been used to efficiently assess autistic traits in the general population; however, the psychometric properties of the AQ-10 in terms of its internal reliability and its unifactorial structure have recently been questioned. In the present study (N = 797), whether the internal reliability is increased when the AQ-10 is applied with six rather than the conventional four response categories has been investigated. Moreover, correlational and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the reason for potential inhomogeneity within the AQ-10. The results suggest that the internal reliability of the AQ-10 was slightly increased but is still unsatisfactory, likely due to the incompatibility of items from two subdimensions: attention to detail and imagination. With six of the AQ-10 items, crucial aspects of the autistic personality may be measured, but other important aspects would be neglected; thus, the measure requires further psychometric development.

scholarly journals Observed Personality in Childhood: Psychometric and Behavioural Genetic Evidence of Two Broad Personality Factors

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhe Wang ◽  
Nan Chen ◽  
Stephen A. Petrill ◽  
Kirby Deater–Deckard
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Personality Development ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Total N ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Sibling Similarity

We examined broad dimensions of children's personalities (total n = 1056; age = 3.5 to 12 years) based on observers’ perceptions following a few hours of structured interaction. Siblings’ behaviours during a 2–hour cognitive assessment in the home were rated separately by two different observers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses clearly revealed a two–factor solution in three different samples. There was correspondence between parent–rated temperament and observer–rated factors. Cross–sectional analyses indicated lower Plasticity among older children and higher Stability among older children. Sex differences were negligible. Plasticity and Stability were correlated in the .2 to .3 range. Most of the sibling similarity in the Plasticity was due to additive genetic influences, whereas most sibling similarity in Stability was attributable to shared environmental influences. The findings implicate a biometric factor structure to childhood personality that fits well with emerging biosocial theories of personality development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Iliceto ◽  
Emanuele Fino
Keyword(s):  
Second Order ◽  
Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Beck Hopelessness Scale ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Model Invariance ◽  
Three Factor

The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) is an instrument for assessing cognitive thoughts among suicidal persons. Previous studies have identified different factor structures of the BHS. However, results were not conclusive. The aim of this study was to test the factor structure of the BHS in a sample of Italian individuals (N = 509) from the community, and secondarily to investigate correlations between the BHS, depression (Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition), and personality traits (Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire). Following recommendations of previous investigations, we utilized a 5-point response format. We applied a second-order Confirmatory Factor Analyses and tested for the model invariance. The results suggest that besides a single second-order factor, a second-order three-factor solution is also reasonable, in line with Beck’s theorization.

Mindfulness or Mindlessness?

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volkmar Höfling ◽  
Helfried Moosbrugger ◽  
Karin Schermelleh-Engel ◽  
Thomas Heidenreich
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Mindful Attention ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Item Wording ◽  
Method Effects

The 15 items of the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan, 2003 ) are negatively worded and assumed to assess mindfulness. However, there are indications of differences between the original MAAS and a version with the positively rephrased MAAS items (“mirror items”). The present study examines whether the mindfulness facet “mindful attention and awareness” (MAA) can be measured with both positively and negatively worded items if we take method effects due to item wording into account. To this end, the 15 negatively worded items of the MAAS and additionally 13 positively rephrased items were assessed (N = 602). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) models with and without regard to method effects were carried out and evaluated by means of model fit. As a result, the positively and negatively worded items should be seen as different methods that influence the construct validity of mindfulness. Furthermore, a modified version of the MAAS (MAAS-Short) with five negatively worded items (taken from the MAAS) and five positively worded items (“mirror items”) was introduced as an alternative to assess MAA. The MAAS-Short appears superior to the original MAAS. The results and the limitations of the present study are discussed.

Measurement Invariance Analysis of the Parental Stress Index

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 771-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Piskernik ◽  
Barbara Supper ◽  
Lieselotte Ahnert
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Structural Invariance ◽  
Parent Domain ◽  
Structural Levels

Abstract. While parenting research continues to compare similarities and differences in mothers’ and fathers’ behaviors based on mean values on the respective dimensions, measurement invariance as a prerequisite for these comparisons has seldom been assured. The present study thus subjected the well-known Parenting Stress Index (PSI), widely used in models of family functioning, to a rigorous measurement invariance analysis based on ( N = 214) Austrian couples with children younger than 3 years of age. We evaluated configural, metric, scalar, and uniqueness invariance on item and subscale levels, and tested for structural invariance of means and variances of the PSI parent and child domain by second-order confirmatory factor analyses. As a result, only measurement differences on the scalar levels affected the factor scores, though negligibly. On the structural levels, no differences were found on the PSI child domain across parents, but on the PSI parent domain, mothers reported more stress.

French Adaptation of the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI)

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinne Catale ◽  
Caroline Lejeune ◽  
Sarah Merbah ◽  
Thierry Meulemans
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Rating Instrument ◽  
Functioning Inventory ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Thorell and Nyberg (2008 ) recently developed the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI), a new rating instrument for executive functioning in day-to-day life which can be divided into four subscales: working memory, planning, inhibition, and regulation. Using an exploratory factor analysis on data from young Swedish children attending kindergarten, Thorell and Nyberg (2008 ) found a two-factor solution that taps working memory and inhibition. In the present study, we explored the psychometric characteristics of the French adaptation of the CHEXI. A group of 95 parents of 5- and 6-year-old children completed the CHEXI, 87 of whom were given clinical inhibition and working memory tasks. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the two-factor solution based on inhibition and working memory that was identified in the original study of Swedish children. Supplementary results indicated good internal and test-retest reliability for the entire scale, as well as for the two subscales identified. Correlation analyses showed no relationship between cognitive measures and the CHEXI subscales. Possible clinical applications for the CHEXI scales are discussed.

Assessing Self-Efficacy in Presentation and Moderation Skills

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Ringeisen ◽  
Sonja Rohrmann ◽  
Anika Bürgermeister ◽  
Ana N. Tibubos
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Constructed Self ◽  
University Course ◽  
Correlated Factors ◽  
Report Measure

Abstract. By means of two studies, a self-report measure to assess self-efficacy in presentation and moderation skills, the SEPM scales, was validated. In study 1, factorial and construct validity were examined. A sample of 744 university students (41% females; more than 50% between 20 and 25 years) completed newly constructed self-efficacy items. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) substantiated two positively correlated factors, presentation (SEPM-P) and moderation self-efficacy (SEPM-M). Each factor consists of eight items. The correlation patterns between the two SEPM subscales and related constructs such as extraversion, the preference for cooperative learning, and conflict management indicated adequate construct validity. In study 2, criterion validity was determined by means of latent change modeling. One hundred sixty students ( Mage = 24.40, SD = 4.04; 61% females) took part in a university course to foster key competences and completed the SEPM scales at the beginning and the end of the semester. Presentation and moderation self-efficacy increased significantly over time of which the latter was positively associated with the performance in a practical moderation exam. Across both studies, reliability of the scales was high, ranging from McDonald’s ω .80 to .88.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document