Playing smartphone games while studying: an experimental study on reading interruptions by a smartphone game

In this study, we investigated whether the use of smartphone games while reading a text reduces learning performance or reading speed. We also examined whether this is affected by push notifications. Ninety-three students were randomly assigned to three learning conditions. In the gaming group (G), participants played a game app for 20 s at 2-min intervals while reading. In one subgroup, the game app sent push notifications (GN+); in the other subgroup, no notifications (GN−) were sent. In the control group (C), participants did not play a game. After the reading, participants took a multiple-choice quiz. We compared quiz scores and reading times of the groups (G) and (C) and within the gaming group (GN+, GN−) and observed no differences. Since the statistical non-significance of these tests does not entail the absence of an effect, we conducted equivalence tests, which did not demonstrate equivalence either. The experiment ensured high internal validity, yet remained inconclusive. Reasons for the similarity of performance in all groups could be non-specific exercise effects (all participants owned a smartphone), low similarity between the tasks, low variance of participants’ ability and motivation (high achieving, low ADHD scores) or low game complexity. Future research should address these questions.

Does the Temporal Pattern of Moving to a Higher Quality Neighborhood across a 5-Year Period Predict Psychological Distress among Adolescents? Results from a Federal Housing Experiment

Using the Moving to Opportunity (MTO) experiment (1994-2002), this study examined how a multidimensional measure of neighborhood quality over time influenced adolescent psychological distress, using instrumental variable (IV) analysis. Neighborhood quality was operationalized with an independently-validated 19-indicator child opportunity index (COI), linked to MTO family addresses over 4-7 years. We examined if being randomized to receive a housing subsidy (versus remaining in public housing) predicted neighborhood quality across time. Using IV analysis, we tested if experimentally induced differences in COI across time predicted psychological distress (N=2829; Mean(standard deviation (SD)) = -.04(1.12)). The MTO voucher treatment improved neighborhood quality for children compared to in-place controls. A one-SD change in COI since baseline predicted 0.32 point lower psychological distress for girls (B(95%CI)= -0.32 (-0.61, -0.03)). Results were comparable but less precisely estimated when operationalizing neighborhood quality as simply average post-random assignment COI, (B(95%CI)= -0.36(-0.74, 0.02). Effect estimates based on a COI excluding poverty and on the most recent COI measure were slightly larger than other operationalizations of neighborhood quality. Improving a multidimensional measure of neighborhood quality led to reductions in low-income girls’ psychological distress, and this was estimated with high internal validity using IV methods.

CEO’s Emotional Intelligence and ownership concentration efficiency: Evidence from Tunisia

<span>This article deals with the relationship existing between the emotional aspect and decision-making processes. More specifically, it examines the links between emotional Intelligence and the ownership concentration. I will use logistic binary regression ) to examine this relation: every model treats the relationship between emotional intelligence and one of efficiency criteria of the ownership structure. Emotional intelligence has been measured according to the scale of Schutte and al (Shutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Scale, SSREI, Shuttle and al. 1998) with a high internal validity level. Regarding, The four cognitive biases they have been measured by means of a questionnaire comprising several items. As for the selected sample, it has been composed of some180 Tunisian executives (belonging to 60 firms). Our results have revealed that the presence of a high emotional intelligence rate is not always positively correlated with the executives’ suggestibility with respect to behavioural biases. They have also affirmed the existence of Substitutability between emotional intelligence and the Ownership structure disciplinary function</span>

Taxonomy of business value underlying motivations for e-HRM adoption

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to develop a taxonomy of organizations based on business value (BV) underlying electronic human resource management (e-HRM) adoption motivations.Design/methodology/approachA taxonomy was developed using cluster analysis of the online case stories of 146 firms. Results were validated using discriminant analysis. Differences in organization and environmental characteristics across clusters were examined.FindingsSeven meaningful and distinct clusters were uncovered showing asymmetry in the consideration of strategic BV underlying the motivations of e-HRM adoption. Statistical tests revealed that the seven clusters have high internal validity. Statistically significant differences in organizational conditions were found among clusters.Research limitations/implicationsThis research offers an empirically and conceptually grounded taxonomy of organizations that reveals strategic and nonstrategic BV that organizations actually put forward and the way they combine together to form different profiles. This research is based on secondary data, that is, data initially gathered for a distinct goal different from this research.Practical implicationsThe developed taxonomy provides human resource (HR) managers, executives, researchers and consultants a useful way to describe and understand motivations underlying e-HRM adoption. The taxonomy may also facilitate valid and systematic assessment of e-HRM effectiveness.Originality/valueThis research moves the debate beyond normative arguments to a more analytic assessment of the actual practice of organizations regarding e-HRM adoption and expected BV.

Parallel siRNA screens to identify kinase and phosphatase modulators of NF-κB activity following DNA damage

DNA damage, such as that experienced by people undergoing chemotherapy, can directly activate NF-κB signalling which in turn can lead to resistance to genotoxic stress. NF-κB signalling is highly regulated by phosphorylation, but the enzymes required for these processes remain largely unknown. Identifying those enzymes responsible for regulating NF-κB activity may yield attractive targets for new clinical therapies, as well as provide the basis for better understanding of signalling network crosstalk. Here we present datasets from two independent RNAi screens using a stable NF-κB reporter U2OS cell line with the aim of identifying enzymes that alter NF-κB activity in response to DNA damage following etoposide and ionising radiation treatments. Although we observed high internal validity and specificity to NF-κB modulation within the screens, there was a striking dissimilarity between the results of the two different screens. These data therefore provide a cautionary lesson regarding the use of RNAi screening but also provide new candidates for kinase and phosphatase regulation of NF-κB activity in response to genotoxic stress.

Use, Adaptivity, and Need Fulfillment: A Methodological Critique of Tests of the Functions of Autobiographical Memory

In this article, we champion the study of autobiographical memory functions. We review the proposed functions and how they have been investigated. We describe seven commonly used research designs. We argue that although each design offers unique benefits, none of these designs is ideally suited to test the functional nature of autobiographical memory with high internal validity. We stress that each design does have a unique set of benefits in the exploration of autobiographical memory and none should be abandoned. However, we encourage researchers interested in function in particular to consider designs that will illuminate the use, adaptivity, and fulfillment of needs that is inherent in the definition of function.

Collecting and Analyzing Qualitative Data

Qualitative research provides an adaptable, open-ended, rigorous method to explore local perceptions of an issue. Qualitative approaches are effective at revealing the subjective logic motivating behavior. They are particularly appropriate for research questions that are exploratory in nature or involve issues of meaning rather than magnitude or frequency. Key advantages of qualitative approaches include speed, flexibility and high internal validity resulting from emphasis on rapport building and ability to probe beneath the surface of initial responses. Given the time-intensive nature of qualitative analysis, samples tend to be small and purposively selected to assure every interview counts. Qualitative studies can be done independently or embedded in mixed-method designs. Qualitative data analysis depends on rigorous reading and rereading texts ideally with more than one analyst to confirm interpretations. Computer software is useful for analyzing large data sets but manual coding is often sufficient for rapid assessments in field settings..

Regression Discontinuity and Beyond

Treatment effect estimates from a regression discontinuity design (RDD) have high internal validity. However, the arguments that support the design apply to a subpopulation that is narrower and usually different from the population of substantive interest in evaluation research. The disconnect between RDD population and the evaluation population of interest suggests that RDD evaluations lack external validity. New methodological research offer strategies for studying and sometimes improving external validity in RDDs. This article examines four techniques: comparative RDD, covariate matching RDD, treatment effect derivatives, and statistical tests for local selection bias. The goal of the article is to help evaluators understand the logic, assumptions, data requirements, and reach of the new methods.

Measuring the Ability to Tolerate Activity-Related Discomfort: Initial Validation of the Physical Activity Acceptance Questionnaire (PAAQ)

Background:Physical activity (PA) is essential for health, but many adults find PA adherence challenging. Acceptance of discomfort related to PA may influence an individual’s ability to begin and sustain a program of exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Acceptance Questionnaire (PAAQ).Methods:The PAAQ was administered to 3 distinct samples (N = 418). Each sample completed additional self-report measures; 1 sample also wore accelerometers for 7 days (at baseline and 6 months later).Results:The PAAQ demonstrated high internal validity for its total score (α = .89) and 2 subscales (Cognitive Acceptance α = .86, Behavioral Commitment α = .85). The PAAQ also showed convergent validity with measures of mindfulness, self-reported physical activity levels, and accelerometer-verified levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA; P-values < .05). The Cognitive Acceptance subscale showed predictive validity for objectively-verified PA levels among individuals attempting to increase PA over 6 months (P = .05). Test-retest reliability for a subset of participants (n = 46) demonstrated high consistency over 1 week (P < .0001).Conclusions:The PAAQ demonstrates sound psychometric properties, and shows promise for improving the current understanding of PA facilitators and barriers among adults.