Reliability and Validity of the Attitudes toward Your Child’s Speech

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a scale of parents’ attitude toward their child’s speech (i.e., Attitude toward Your Child’s Speech, AYCS).Methods: The participants were 152 parents of children who stuttered (CWS). Participants completed a scale of parents’ attitudes toward their child’s speech and a scale of impact of stuttering on children and parents in the form of an online survey. Based on the collected data, the validity (i.e., content validity, construct validity, concurrent validity) and reliability (i.e., internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability) of AYCS were assessed.Results: The 11 items of the AYCS demonstrated high content, construct and concurrent validity assessing three factors (i.e., Joy of talking to the child, Worry about the child’s stuttering, & Acceptance of the child’s stuttering). In addition, the ACYS demonstrated moderate to excellent test-retest reliability and high internal consistency.Conclusion: The findings indicated that the AYCS is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate parents’ attitudes toward their child’s speech and stuttering. It is expected that the AYCS could be included as part of a comprehensive evaluation of stuttering and be used as a tool to document progress of parents’ attitudes toward stuttering during treatment of stuttering in children. Furthermore, researchers may be able to use the AYCS to test various research hypotheses regarding how parents’ attitudes toward stuttering affect their child’s development of stuttering.

Validation of a survey to contrast online education during the COVID-19 pandemic and face-to-face pre-pandemic education

In order to develop quality pedagogical processes to alleviate the negative effects of the Cov19 pandemic, as the loss of interest in school subjects -caused by accessibility difficulties and lack of resources to purchase equipment and internet services, and to take advantage of the positive effects of online educational modality, as flexibility and housework, it is necessary to have valid and reliable instruments with which the information can be collected. This document presents the validation of a survey to contrast pre-pandemic online and face-to-face education. Beginning with the evaluation of the judgment of experts and teachers for preparation and proposal, which according to the methodology, was administered for a self-evaluation of university students in three areas of knowledge, and consisting of four different dimensions: attitudes during the Covid19 pandemic, applications of ICTs in education, problems when studying online, and exploration of face-to-face education The results show that it is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the four aspects described.

Reliability Assessment and Validation of the Skin Hyperpigmentation Index Compared to the Physician Global Assessment Score

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The skin hyperpigmentation index (SHI), a new objective method for measuring skin hyperpigmentation, needs validation. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To gain evidence of the reliability and validity of the SHI. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Fifteen raters were divided into 3 groups (5 dermatologists, 5 nondermatologist physicians, and 5 nonphysician clinicians). Each rated 5 pigmented mole lesions with mild-to-severe hyperpigmentation to determine intra- and interrater reliability. All raters photographed the lesions and rated them using the subjective Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score. The same photographs were then assessed based on automatic computer measurement software using the online SHI tool (https://shi.skinimageanalysis.com). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The SHI reliability was excellent for all intra- and interrater assessments, while most PGA assessments showed good intra- and interrater agreement. Between-group reliability was excellent for SHI, while moderate-to-good for PGA evaluations. Concordance between the SHI and PGA assessments was strong across all groups of assessors. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> There is evidence that the SHI is a reliable instrument for measuring skin hyperpigmentation, and can be used by nonexperienced clinicians.

Psychometric Testing: Self-Efficacy for Calorie Control and Exercise

Enhancing self-efficacy for calorie control and exercise is a crucial strategy for successful weight management. This study developed and psychometrically tested a 13-item quick checklist for assessing self-efficacy for calorie control and exercise (QCSE-CCE). A convenience sample of 425 adults between 18 and 69 years old completed the QCSE-CCE online. The principle axis factor analysis and a parallel analysis demonstrated a three-factor structure that accounts for 72.8% of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit (χ2/ df = 2.168, GFI = .913, AGFI = .873, RMR = .049, RMSEA = .073, CFI = .959). The predictive validity was adequate (.38 < r < .39, p < .000), with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from .87 to .91. The test-retest demonstrated good stability ( r = .69; p < .001). The QCSE-CCE is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing self-efficacy for calorie control and exercise for weight management purposes.

Validation of the Modified Rhinoplasty Assessment Scale (Photographic)

Objective: To validate the modified Rhinoplasty Assessment Scale (Photographic) (mRASP). Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Study design—Photographs for 100 rhinoplasty patients from 2 facial plastic surgeons were compiled. Photos included 6 views. Each facial plastic surgeon reviewed all views. Nasal appearance was evaluated using the mRASP. Statistical analysis—A validation study was conducted, including descriptive statistics, reliability, and construct validity. Mean and standard deviations were used to describe the scores. Results: Eighty female (mean RASP score = 14.89, SD = 7.04) and 20 male (mean RASP score = 19.83, SD = 10.09) patients were included. The mean of the total score on the instrument was 15.88 (SD = 7.98). Cronbach’s alpha was .81, and inter-rater reliability measured as a Pearson product-moment correlation was .74. The CFA model fit the frontal view (χ2 = 32.47 ( P = .04), CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .05, SRMR = .05), basal view (χ2 = 4.55 ( P = .33), CFI = .98, TLI = .96, RMSEA = .03, SRMR = .23), and lateral view (χ2 = 39.52 ( P = .40), CFI = 1.0, TLI = 1.0, RMSEA = .0, SRMR = .05) data well. Conclusion: The mRASP is a reliable instrument that can be used to assess nasal form via frontal, lateral, and basal photographs of patients. This provides facial plastic surgeons with a validated tool to evaluate rhinoplasty outcomes.

Validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in the general Spanish population

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy states that Experiential Avoidance contributes to the development of psychological issues. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II measures Experiential Avoidance. The objective of the current study is to perform a validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in the general Spanish population. A sample of 964 participants from all over Spain was used (M = 43.43 years; SD = 15.27). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined according to Classical Test Theory. In addition, assessments were made of participants’ personality, Emotional Intelligence, Anxiety, and Depression, and the influence of sex and age on Experiential Avoidance was examined. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a unidimensional instrument, with excellent reliability (α = .93) and adequate evidence of validity. Differences were observed based on sex, with women scoring higher, and based on age, with lower scores in the older age groups. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a valid, reliable instrument for use in the general Spanish population.

Measuring anxiety related to COVID-19: Factor analysis and psychometric properties of the Arabic Coronavirus Anxiety Scale

Literature reports that fear and anxiety related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be a significant factor in promoting adherence to health-protective behaviours. This study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). Participants aged 18 to 58 years of age were recruited from a university population (students and staff) as well as via social media from 22 June to 18 July 2020 when the United Arab Emirates was under a partial government-instituted lockdown. They completed Arabic versions of the CAS and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. A confirmatory factor analysis produced a unidimensional structure and all items satisfactorily loaded onto this single factor (i.e., the physiological symptoms of fear and anxiety related to coronavirus). The Arabic CAS was internally consistent and concurrently valid. These preliminary findings suggest that the Arabic CAS is a valid and reliable instrument to employ in the assessment of dysfunctional anxiety related to coronavirus. The availability of this validated measure will enable the further conduct of a variety of mental health studies in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also holds clinical utility as a potential screening measure for those afflicted by anxiety symptomology during the pandemic.

Encouragement of Academic Skills in Young Children: Measuring and Investigating Parents' Efforts to Educate their Young Children

<p>The Encouragement of Academic Skills in Young Children (EASYC) is a new measure, used to investigate the benefits of parents using in-home educational activities with their young children. The overall goals of this study were to 1) validate the EASYC as a reliable instrument for measuring parents’ at-home education practices, and 2) demonstrate the importance of providing a stimulating home educational environment for young children. In general, the EASYC was demonstrated as applicable to 4 year old children and the US sample, with future development possible for other populations. Key findings illustrated 1) the fast development of children’s learning, 2) the co-dependence of literacy and numeracy in young children, 3) that formal activities are more influential than informal activities, 4) that parental involvement is maintained across time, and 5) that culture influences how parents teach their children. The EASYC was established as a measure of parent involvement in pre-school education with a scope not previously achieved and the potential to benefit learning outcomes and school preparation in pre-school children.</p>

Encouragement of Academic Skills in Young Children: Measuring and Investigating Parents' Efforts to Educate their Young Children

<p>The Encouragement of Academic Skills in Young Children (EASYC) is a new measure, used to investigate the benefits of parents using in-home educational activities with their young children. The overall goals of this study were to 1) validate the EASYC as a reliable instrument for measuring parents’ at-home education practices, and 2) demonstrate the importance of providing a stimulating home educational environment for young children. In general, the EASYC was demonstrated as applicable to 4 year old children and the US sample, with future development possible for other populations. Key findings illustrated 1) the fast development of children’s learning, 2) the co-dependence of literacy and numeracy in young children, 3) that formal activities are more influential than informal activities, 4) that parental involvement is maintained across time, and 5) that culture influences how parents teach their children. The EASYC was established as a measure of parent involvement in pre-school education with a scope not previously achieved and the potential to benefit learning outcomes and school preparation in pre-school children.</p>

Development of character survey instruments in national assessment of Indonesia for physics teachers

Abstrak In order to support the realization of the aspiration to build character as mandated in Pancasila and the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution and to overcome current national problems, the Government of Indonesia has made character education one of the priority programs for national assessment. This is a challenge for educators, teachers and education practitioners to make it happen. However, until now there has been no instrument capable of measuring character. This study aims to determine the development process and the feasibility and benefits of a character survey instrument which is part of a national assessment that must be implemented by teachers to students in schools. The research method used is a development research method with the ADDIE research design coined by Dick and Carry. This research was conducted at several schools in West Java with a sample of 10 physics teachers who were selected by purposive sampling technique. The results showed that the character survey instrument is a valid and reliable instrument with a high category. So, it can be concluded that this character survey instrument is an instrument that is suitable to be used for assess and identify the character of students.