Construction and validation of a test of knowledge of contraceptive methods for adolescents

Background: Valid and reliable instruments are required to measure the level of information on contraceptive methods in adolescents to promote their correct use. Objective: To construct and validate a test of knowledge of contraceptive methods for adolescents between 15 and 19 years old. Method: A 36-item test was developed that included the different contraceptive methods and information on the characteristics, use, efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Once validated by expert judges, a college in Ecatepec was randomly selected as data collection site. Students of the three school grades answered the test. Results: The test was applied to a total of 229 students between 15 and 19 years old (M = 16.22; SD = .978). The majority were women (66%), single (88.5%) and lived with their parents (62.9%). Of the 36 initial items, 31 showed discriminatory power between those who performed well on the test and those who did not. The difficulty index of the questionnaire was .45 and revealed a reliability index value of .739. Around 60% of the participants obtained a percentage below 50% of correct answers in the entire test. Only about 4% of participants got a percentage of correct responses higher than 70%. The categories of characteristics and use were those in which the participants performed best when answering 48% of these questions correctly. The worst was effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages with 33%. Conclusion: The test’s psychometric properties showed that it is a valid and reliable test for its application in Mexican adolescents. The results indicate that most adolescents of the simple do not have complete information about contraceptive methods and that they know the least about their effectiveness and side effects.

PROCEDURE FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY OF THE PROBLEMS WITH A LIMITING REACTANT

Mathematical calculations are an important part of chemistry. Those problems are difficult for students, especially if the task is set with a limiting reactant. The aim of this study was development of a Procedure for evaluation of cognitive complexity of the Stoichiometric Tasks with a Limiting Reactant. The procedure created included an assessment of the difficulty of concepts and an assessment of their interactivity. As a research instrument for assessing performance, the test of knowledge was specifically constructed for this research. Each task in the test was followed by a seven-point Likert scale for the evaluation of the invested mental effort. The research included 58 upper-secondary students. The validity of the procedure was confirmed by a series of regression analyses where statistically significant correlation coefficients are obtained among the examined variables: students’ achievement and invested mental effort from cognitive complexity (independent variable). Keywords: chemistry education, stoichiometry, problem tasks, achievement, mental effort

Pengaruh Penggunaan Plastik Sekali Pakai Terhadap Polusi di Lingkungan SD 081/IX Air Itam Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

this research was conducted at SD 081 / IX Air Itam. This research aims to determine the effect of using single-use plastics on environmental pollution. The method used is a quantitative method. The data collection technique used primary data in the form of a test of knowledge about the use of single-use plastic waste and pollution in SD 081 / IX Air Itam. The population in this study were students of class V and VI SD 081 / IX Air Itam, totaling 97 students. Data analysis techniques in this study using simple linear regression analysis techniques using SPSS version 24.0, with the provisions of Sig <α (0.05), H0 is rejected with H1 accepted (significant regression coefficient). Sig> α (0.05), H0 is accepted and H1 is rejected (the regression coefficient is not significant). The results of the overall research X variable (Use of single-use plastic) the majority of respondents got a score of 57 to 73 or 60.82% of the number of respondents. This means that the use of single-use plastics for grade V and VI SD 081 / IX Air Itam is quite good. In the Y variable (Environmental Pollution) scores 74-100 or 94.84%. This means that the understanding of pollution in the environment at SD 081 / IX Air Itam is quite good.

TEST OF KNOWLEDGE OF ELEMENTARY VECTORS CONCEPTS AMONG FIRST-SEMESTER BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

Physics, as an academic discipline, has its mathematical language, and vectors are its indispensable constituent, even at the pre-mandatory stage. This study aimed to obtain a clear and deep understanding of the perception of students' cognition about the facets of the vectors that form the basis of Newtonian mechanics. This study not only provides fundamental knowledge about the cognition of theoretical vector constructs among students, but also helps to improve existing pedagogies and, eventually, leading to students' discernment. The author developed a Test of Knowledge of Elementary Vector Concepts (TKEVC) that was delivered to engineering students in the first semester who were starting the required engineering physics course during the 1st week of class, before any instruction on vectors. TKEVC was administered to a sample of 476 students from 7 different engineering colleges and universities in India. The result obtained with this test states that only 37% of students enrolled in the engineering physics course have extensive knowledge of vectors to advance physics topics, specifically mechanics, while almost 67% of students enter the course without a complete understanding of the vector principles in any aspect. These findings have substantial implications for math and physics classes. The researcher discussed the questions asked to the students and their answers, emphasizing the conceptual and methodological errors they made. The results have substantial implications for the teaching of engineering mathematics and physics, the professional development of teachers, and the preparation of teams of teachers for engineering institutions.

VALIDATION OF THE PROCEDURE FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM TASKS

The main problem in students' lower achievement lies in the cognitive complexity of the problem. The aim of this research was to create and validate the procedure for the assessment of the cognitive complexity of chemical technology problem tasks. The procedure included the creation of Tables for assessing the difficulty of concepts in chemical technology problems and their interactivity, assessment of the numerical rating of cognitive complexity of the analyzed tasks, and conducting of research. Research included 50 students. Data were collected with the test of knowledge which was used for the assessment of students´ achievements and invested mental effort. The validity of this procedure was confirmed by a series of correlation analyses where statistically significant values of correlation coefficients were obtained among the examined variables: students’ achievements, invested mental effort and cognitive complexity. The largest contribution of this procedure is that it is designed to show an objective value of the cognitive complexity of tasks in the domain of chemical technology. Good estimation of the numerical values of cognitive complexity can help teachers to better predict students' achievement, and at the same time to take care to avoid cognitive load. Keywords: cognitive complexity, problem-solving, chemical technology.

Group training as a psychological tool for correcting school anxiety in children of primary school age

The article deals with the study of the effect of group training on reducing the level of school anxiety among young school students. The article reveals the concept of anxiety and school anxiety in domestic and foreign psychology. The authors reveal the causes of school anxiety, as well as their impact on the mental development of the child. Special attention is paid to the description of the psychological means of correcting school anxiety. The experimental study proves that group training is an effective psychological tool to reduce school anxiety, social stress experience, fear of self-expression, test of knowledge, inconsistency with the expectations of others and the fear of interacting with teachers.

DISENTANGLING KNOWLEDGE AND BIAS: COMBATING AGEISM WITH THE REVISED FACTS ON AGING QUIZ

The Facts on Aging Quiz (FoAQ) was developed in 1977 as a 25-item True/False test of knowledge about older adults. Since that time, it has been utilized in hundreds of studies involving clarifying misconceptions, measuring factual knowledge across different groups, and assessing bias toward older adults. The current study examines the psychometric properties of a revision to the FoAQ created in 2015 that modified the original items and added 25 more to better reflect contemporary aging research. Participants were sampled using Qualtrics and MTurk platforms and targeted to equally represent the following four age groups: 18-34, 35-49, 50-64, and 65 and older. Exploratory factor analysis (n=956) did not support a multi-factor structure, contrary to previous theories of it having cognitive, physical, societal, and psychological health factors. A single factor model was forced which contained 28 items that only accounted for 26% of the variance in scores. The reliability reached satisfactory levels in the younger three age groups with the 28-item version but remained inadequate among those 65 and older. Small associations with the Expectations Regarding Aging-12 and Aging Semantic Differential scales were observed. In its present format, the FoAQ is not sufficient for research use but remains a useful tool in provoking discussion about age bias and areas in which people of all ages lack factual information. Researchers suggest an expansion in response options and further clarifying the use of this instrument as a measure of knowledge or bias.

UPAYA PENINGKATAN KESEHATAN TENTANG BAHAYA HIPERKOLESTEROLEMIA

High cholesterol levels are one of the causes of metabolic problems that cause heart disease, blood vessels, and diseases that are associated with blockages in blood vessels. The accumulation of the amount of fat deposits on the walls of blood vessels can cause a blockage in the blood vessels or known as atherosclerosis. The purpose of this service is to increase people's knowledge about the dangers of cholesterol. This service was carried out in December 2018 at the home of the RT 05 Payo Sigadung house. The target of this activity is Payo Sigadung RT 05 Rawa Sari Village. Activities consist of several processes 1). Check cholesterol levels, 2). Pre-test the public's knowledge about the dangers of hypercholesterolemia, 3) Conduct health education, 4) Perform a test of knowledge test after being given a health education about cholesterol. The output of this activity is 1). People who take counseling are expected to be able to understand the effects of high cholesterol and cholesterol signs, 2) Results of checking cholesterol levels. The results of the implementation of this activity were 85% of the community were able to answer questions given and understand about hypercholesterolemia. With the increase in public knowledge about the dangers of hypocholesterolemia, it is hoped that the community will be able to implement maintaining the health of most foods so that they can avoid hypercholesterolemia

VALIDATION OF METHOD FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM TASKS

The aim of research was validation of a method for the assessment of cognitive complexity of chemical technology problem tasks. The method included an assessment of the difficulty of concepts and an assessment of their interactivity. As a research instrument for assessing performance, test of knowledge was used. Each task in the test was followed by a 5-point Likert scale for the evaluation of invested mental effort. The validity of this method was confirmed by a series of linear regression analysis where extremely high values of correlation coefficients are obtained among the examined variables: student’s performance, invested mental effort and cognitive complexity. Keywords: cognitive complexity, problem solving, chemical technology.

P54 Formative test questions in neurology and neurosurgery

ObjectivesTo provide a formative educational test of knowledge that allows clinicians to measure themselves against their peers.DesignAnnual Neurosurgery and Neurology knowledge tests, supported by the ABN & SBNS, have been available since 2014 (NSurg) and 2017 (Neurol). The NSurg test requires all candidates to participate over 3 days, answers are available after the test whereas the Neurol formative questions are available over 6 weeks, answers are available immediately.SubjectsThere have been 821 first attempts at the formative questions; NSurg; 44, 63,187,143,164 and Neurol; 74, 146. Candidates are mostly from UK (NSurg 92%, Neurol 69%) and mostly specialty trainees (NSurg 98%, Neurol 63%).MethodsThe formative questions are delivered through the ebrain virtual learning platform, statistics are generated automatically. Proposed questions are written by candidates as ‘payment’ for doing the formative test.ResultsMean Cronbach’s alpha was 87.3%. The mean score for the tests was 60.4% (Range 55.9%–77.9%). Feedback is voluntary: In 2018 17 feedback comments were received, 10 were unambiguously positive, 5 were mixed including criticism of one or more questions, 2 were judged to be neutral. Examples of feedback comments received this year included ‘Comprehensive exam that covers a wide range of topics’ and ‘This is of great value’.ConclusionsThis formative educational initiative has high internal consistency and solid feedback. Although set up differently, it is proving both valuable and popular in both specialties.