scholarly journals Revisiting image theory: decision styles, temptations and image theory’s compatibility test

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alexander Müller
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Compatibility Test ◽  
Decision Styles ◽  
Rejection Threshold ◽  
Decision Choice

This thesis project revisits the compatibility test, Image Theory's screening process to form decision choice sets, and considers its elements and mechanisms in the light of three aspects: first, it investigates how the affect heuristic influences the compatibility screening. In this context, the claim of earlier research that only criteria violations are considered during the option screening process is reconsidered; second, a structural model is evaluated establishing links between a decision-maker's decision styles and the variables defining the compatibility test; and third, a neural network is created and tested to predict even irrational choice of decision-makers for a specific screening situation and based on their compatibility test in- and outputs. 741 participants of two populations were administered three online questionnaires to collect required data. 40 questionnaire items have been used to identify the participants decision styles. The participants were tasked to select companies as potential acquisition targets and, thus, performed a compatibility test based on criteria and their importance weights provided by the researcher. Companies met and failed to meet the criteria to differing extent. Two temptation alternatives that outperformed all other companies in the most important criteria multiple times and failed to meet all others were administered to the participants. Based on what companies were selected, the participants rejection threshold and their inconsistent choices were determined. The research provides evidence that the claim of earlier research that Image Theory's compatibility screening process relies only on criteria violations is untenable. Further, a structural equation model was confirmed establishing links between participants' decision styles and the variables defining their compatibility screenings. Eventually, a neural network was generated, trained and tested that correctly predicted with close to 90% reliability a participant's choices, even the objectively irrational ones. It is recommended that future research further develops the idea of neural networks mimicking human decision behaviour.

Bully Perpetration and Self-Esteem: Examining the Relation Over Time

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad A. Rose ◽  
Christopher D. Slaten ◽  
June L. Preast
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behavioral Challenges ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Middle School Youth ◽  
School Youth ◽  
Over Time

School-aged youth face a number of academic and behavioral challenges within the educational environment, including bullying involvement. Unfortunately, bullying has been linked to a number of detrimental psychosocial outcomes. Scholars have attempted to establish predictive profiles for youth involved in bullying. These profiles include bully perpetrators, where it has been argued that self-esteem is predictive of bullying behaviors. To address this association, the current study examined the relation between self-esteem and bully perpetration among 971 middle school youth through a longitudinal structural equation model. A three-step confirmatory factor analytic procedure determined that bully perpetration and self-esteem were metrically invariant and stable over time. The structural model suggested that bully perpetration at Time 1 predicted bully perpetration at Time 2, and self-esteem at Time 1 predicted self-esteem at Time 2. However, self-esteem at Time 1 did not predict bully perpetration at Time 2, and bully perpetration at Time 1 did not predict self-esteem at Time 2. These results suggest that students who engage in bully perpetration do not have higher or lower levels of self-esteem when compared with their peers who do not engage in bullying. Future research should continue to examine predictive factors associated with bully perpetration.

Forced Zero Cross-Loading Misspecifications in Measurement Component of Structural Equation Models

Methodology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 138-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsien-Yuan Hsu ◽  
Susan Troncoso Skidmore ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Bruce Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Model Specification ◽  
Simulation Design ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Fit Statistics ◽  
Path Coefficients

The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the effect of constraining near-zero parameter cross-loadings to zero in the measurement component of a structural equation model. A Monte Carlo 3 × 5 × 2 simulation design was conducted (i.e., sample sizes of 200, 600, and 1,000; parameter cross-loadings of 0.07, 0.10, 0.13, 0.16, and 0.19 misspecified to be zero; and parameter path coefficients in the structural model of either 0.50 or 0.70). Results indicated that factor pattern coefficients and factor covariances were overestimated in measurement models when near-zero parameter cross-loadings constrained to zero were higher than 0.13 in the population. Moreover, the path coefficients between factors were misestimated when the near-zero parameter cross-loadings constrained to zero were noteworthy. Our results add to the literature detailing the importance of testing individual model specification decisions, and not simply evaluating omnibus model fit statistics.

Assessment of Teacher Attitudes Toward Inclusion of Students with Disabilities: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

1997 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios D. Sideridis ◽  
Judy P. Chandler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Music Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
The Status ◽  
Fit Index

The Teacher Integration Attitudes Questionnaire (TIAQ) was developed in order to assess the attitudes and beliefs of teachers (n = 110) with regard to the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular education settings. Using Structural Equation Modeling, the final structural model of the TIAQ comprised four constructs, namely, “Skills,” “Benefits,” “Acceptance,” and “Support.” The final model was fully supported by the derivation sample of music education teachers (n = 54) and produced a Comparative Fit Index (CFI = 1.00). The replication sample of physical education teachers (n = 56) partially supported the generality of the TIAQ, (CFI = .844). Further, the internal consistency properties of the TIAQ (Cronbach’s alpha was .77 for both samples) were satisfactory. We conclude that the psychometric properties of the TIAQ were adequate, and it can be used as a valid assessment in evaluating the status of inclusion for students with disabilities as perceived by music education and physical education teachers. However, future research is needed to support its generality with other groups of teachers and professionals.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a short Yoga Nidra meditation on stress, sleep, and well-being in a large and diverse sample

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther N. Moszeik ◽  
Timo von Oertzen ◽  
Karl-Heinz Renner
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Core Element ◽  
Waitlist Control Group ◽  
Affective Components ◽  
Meditation Group ◽  
Yoga Nidra

Abstract Previous studies have shown that meditation-based interventions can have a significant impact on stress and well-being in various populations. To further extend these findings, an 11-min Yoga Nidra meditation that may especially be integrated in a busy daily schedule by people who can only afford short time for breaks was adapted and analyzed in an experimental online study design. The effects of this short meditation on stress, sleep, well-being and mindfulness were examined for the first time. The meditation was provided as audio file and carried out during a period of 30 days by the participants of the meditation group. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to analyze the data with Full Information Maximum Likelihood (FIML) in order to cope with missing data. As expected, the meditation group (N = 341) showed lower stress, higher well-being and improved sleep quality after the intervention (very small to small effect sizes) compared with a waitlist control group (N = 430). It turned out that the meditation had a stronger impact on the reduction of negative affect than on the increase of positive affect and also a stronger effect on affective components of well-being. Mindfulness, as a core element of the meditation, increased during the study within the meditation group. All effects remained stable at follow-up six weeks later. Overall, a large, heterogeneous sample showed that already a very short dose of meditation can positively influence stress, sleep, and well-being. Future research should consider biological markers as well as active control groups.

Effects of social attachment on social media continuous usage intention: The mediating role of affective commitment

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Maosheng Yang ◽  
Shangui Hu ◽  
Bagna Essohanam Kpandika ◽  
Lei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Attachment ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Continuous Usage Intention

BACKGROUND: Social attachment has been identified as a key antecedent motivating users’ social media involvement. However, there is a scarcity of research investigating whether and how three dimensions of social attachment exert impacts on users’ continuous usage intention of social media. OBJECTIVE: Based on structural equation model analysis, the current research clarifies the relationships between social attachment, affective commitment and social media continuous usage intention, which unveils the underlying mechanism through which three dimensions of social attachment influence users’ continuous usage intention of social media. METHODS: A survey was conducted with 536 informative responses obtained from TikTok public users for hypothesis testing analysis. RESULTS: Results indicate that three dimensions of social attachment (social connections, social dependence and social identity) are all positively related to users’ continuous usage intention of social media. Affective commitment partially mediates the relationship between social attachment and users’ continuous usage intention of social media. CONCLUSIONS: The current research makes an in-depth study about the underlying mechanism whereby social attachment exerts impacts on social media continuous usage intentionand provides several managerial and theoretical implications. Future research directions are discussed as well.

scholarly journals The role of emotions on consumers' satisfaction within the fitness context

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Pedragosa ◽  
Rui Biscaia ◽  
Abel Correia
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Free Thought ◽  
Post Purchase

Previous studies have suggested that consumption-related emotions are important to understand post-purchase reactions. This study examines the relationship between fitness consumers' emotions and overall satisfaction. After an initial step of free-thought listing and content validity, followed by a pre-test, a survey was conducted among consumers of five different fitness centers (n=786). The questionnaire included measures to assess positive and negative emotions, as well as overall satisfaction with the fitness center. The results gathered through a structural equation model provide evidence that negative emotion experienced by consumers impacts negatively overall satisfaction, while positive emotion have a positive effect on overall satisfaction. These findings suggest managerial implications, such as the need to collect consumers' perceptions of both tangible and intangible aspects of the services, listen costumers' opinions in a regular basis, and provide regular training to staff members, in order to identify the triggers of positive emotions and contribute to increased levels of overall satisfaction. Guidelines for future research within the fitness context are also suggested.

Researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools – does awareness effect the actions towards preventing plagiarism?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sk. Mamun Mostofa ◽  
Mashiat Tabassum ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reported Study ◽  
Chi Square Test

Purpose This paper aims to analyse researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools on the actions that they take to prevent plagiarism. It also employs a structural model that examines whether awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism tools have any significant effect on the actions taken by the researchers to avoid plagiarism. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was distributed to researchers at a large public university in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated 184 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were obtained to assess researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools and the actions taken by them. The reasons that may cause plagiarism were also identified. The awareness of the availability of the anti-plagiarism software that was being used by the university and its actual use by the researchers was gathered through the survey. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to investigate the differences in awareness levels and actions in terms of gender, age, discipline and current level of research. The chi-square test was carried out to examine the relationship between awareness about the availability of the anti-plagiarism software and its use by the researchers. Finally, the survey data were analysed using structural equation modeling to examine the effects of awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software on the actions taken by the researchers. Findings The study revealed that the level of awareness regarding plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection software is generally high among the researchers. There are some significant differences between researchers’ demographic and personal characteristics and their awareness levels and actions with regard to plagiarism. The findings indicate that almost three-quarters of the researchers were aware about the anti-plagiarism tool that is being used, whereas more than half of the researchers indicated that they used the software to assess their works. The results of the structural equation model do not show a good fit, although there is strong statistical evidence that awareness about plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software has significantly impacted researchers’ actions towards preventing plagiarism. Originality/value There is no reported study on researchers’ awareness of plagiarism and its affiliated issues in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will not only provide useful insights regarding awareness about plagiarism but also assist university authorities to formulate relevant policy and take necessary actions against plagiarism in higher education institutions.

scholarly journals Multi‐dimensional nature of service innovation

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 1164-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renu Agarwal ◽  
Willem Selen
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Telecommunications Industry ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Service Network ◽  
Content Type

PurposeInnovation in services is thought to be multi‐dimensional in nature, and in this context the purpose of this paper is to present and operationalise the concept of “elevated service offerings” (ESO) in collaborating service organisations. ESO stands for new or enhanced service offerings which can only be eventuated as a result of partnering, and which could not be delivered on individual organisational merit. ESO helps us expand our understanding of service innovation to include a service network or service system's dimension.Design/methodology/approachA structural equation model is specified and estimated based on constructs and relationships grounded in the literature, as well as self‐developed constructs, using empirical data from 449 respondents in an Australian telecommunications service provider (SP) and its partnering organisations.FindingsResults show that ESO is a multi‐dimensional construct which was operationalised and validated through an extensive literature review, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling using a holdout sample.Research limitations/implicationsQualitative and empirical data analysis was undertaken with data collected from a single large telecommunications SP organisation, and its partnering organisations. Future research may seek to collect data from the entire telecommunications industry sector and their partnering organisations, across other service sectors, or even any other organisation where collaboration is pivotal to their success.Practical implicationsService organisations today need to understand that innovation in services is not just about process or product innovation, or even performance and productivity improvements, but in fact includes organisational forms of innovation. Indeed, the interactions and complementarities between the three different aspects of ESO – strategic, productivity, and performance – highlight the increasing complex and multi‐dimensional character of innovation and the ongoing iterative process.Originality/valueThis research provides empirical evidence for the existence of a multi‐dimensional innovation in services construct – known as elevated service offerings in a collaborative service network, along with an adapted definition of service and a service innovation model.

The effect of clustering on competitiveness improvement in Hebron

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 631-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim M. Awad ◽  
Alaa A. Amro
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map the cluster in the leather and shoes sector for improving the competitiveness of the firms. Toward this end, the study is organized to examine the impact of clustering on competitiveness improvement. The influence of competitive elements and performance (Porter’s diamond) and balanced score card was utilized. Design/methodology/approach A random sample of 131 respondents was chosen during the period from May 2016 to July 2016. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was applied to investigate the research model. This approach was chosen because of its ability to test casual relationships between constructs with multiple measurement items. Researchers proposed a two-stage model-building process for applying SEM. The measurement model was first examined for instrument validation, followed by an analysis of the structural model for testing associations hypothesized by the research model. Findings The main findings show that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between improvements of performance and achieve competitiveness and also reveal that the Palestinian shoes and leather cluster sector is vital and strong, and conclude that clustering can achieve competitiveness for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Research limitations/implications Future research can examine the relationship between clustering and innovation. The effect of clustering using other clustering models other than Porter’s model is advised to be used for future research. Practical implications The relationships among clustering and competitiveness may provide a practical clue to both, policymakers and researchers on how cluster enhances economic firms such as a skilled workforce, research, development capacity, and infrastructure. This is likely to create assets such as trust, synergy, collaboration and cooperation for improved competitiveness. Originality/value The findings of this study provide background information that can simultaneously be used to analyze relationships among factors of innovation, customer’s satisfaction, internal business and financial performance. This study also identified several essential factors in successful firms, and discussed the implications of these factors for developing organizational strategies to encourage and foster competitiveness.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document