Latent structure of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) in South African mortuary workers

This study applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine the dimensionality of PTSD symptoms as measured by the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5, Weathers et al., 2013). Participants were 150 trauma-exposed mortuary workers. Six alternative factor solutions resulted from the CFA; including Dysphoria model (four-factor), Dysphoric Arousal model (five-factor), Anhedonia model (six-factor), Externalising model (six-factor), and Hybrid model (seven-factor). Compared to the other models, the five-factor Dysphoric Arousal model had superior fit to the data. Overall, the current results provide evidence for the factorial validity and reliability of scores for the PCL-5 for research use in the South African context.     

Implementation of a computer-based regression discrepancy model: A survey of Montana school psychologists

In 1986 Montana adopted a computer-based regression discrepancy model as a best practice for learning disability identification. State school psychologists were surveyed to investigate the model's implementation and differences between routine users and nonusers of the model. Of the respondents (N = 83), 89% reported use of the model, and 62% used the model on a regular basis. Compared with regular use, nonuse of the model was related to less agreement with regression model assumptions (p < .001), lower perception of the model's value (p < .001), greater difficulty in locating input data (p < .001), reading less documentation (p < .01), less improvement in identification skills (p < .01), and working within a larger school district (p < .01). Survey implications for acceptance of best practice procedures and computer-based regression models are discussed.     

Empirical, theoretical, and practical advantages of the HEXACO model of personality structure.

The authors argue that a new six-dimensional framework for personality structure--the HEXACO model--constitutes a viable alternative to the well-known Big Five or five-factor model. The new model is consistent with the cross-culturally replicated finding of a common six-dimensional structure containing the factors Honesty-Humility (H), Emotionality (E), eExtraversion (X), Agreeableness (A), Conscientiousness (C), and Openness to Experience (O). Also, the HEXACO model predicts several personality phenomena that are not explained within the B5/FFM, including the relations of personality factors with theoretical biologists' constructs of reciprocal and kin altruism and the patterns of sex differences in personality traits. In addition, the HEXACO model accommodates several personality variables that are poorly assimilated within the B5/FFM.     

Cross-cultural examination of the tripartite model in adults

Clark and Watson's (1991) tripartite model is commonly viewed as the preferred model for examining the relationship between anxiety and depression. The tripartite model proposes that the overlap and distinction between anxiety and depression can be best understood along three dimensions: positive affect, negative affect, and physiological hyperarousal. Although the tripartite model has received support in a wide variety of samples, little has been done to examine whether the tripartite model holds cross-culturally. Using a highly diverse sample of undergraduate students (n = 923), this study set out to determine the generalizability of the tripartite model among students who identified themselves as African American/Black (non-Hispanic), Caucasian/White (non-Hispanic), Hispanic/Latino(a), and Asian. The results of the present study suggest that the model fits generally for each group, but the study did not find cross-group equivalence in the relationships between constructs. Possible reasons for the lack of cross-group equivalence, as well as limitations of this study, are also discussed.     

The diagnosticity of individual data for model selection: Comparing signal-detection models of recognition memory

We tested whether the unequal-variance signal-detection (UVSD) and dual-process signal-detection (DPSD) models of recognition memory mimic the behavior of each other when applied to individual data. Replicating previous results, there was no mimicry for an analysis that fit each individual, summed the goodness-of-fit values over individuals, and compared the two sums (i.e., a single model selection). However, when the models were compared separately for each individual (i.e., multiple model selections), mimicry was substantial. To quantify the diagnosticity of the individual data, we used mimicry to calculate the probability of making a model selection error for each individual. For nondiagnostic data (high model selection error), the results were compatible with equal-variance signal-detection theory. Although neither model was justified in this situation, a forced-choice between the UVSD and DPSD models favored the DPSD model for being less flexible. For diagnostic data (low model selection error), the UVSD model was selected more often.     

A prevention approach to infidelity among male protestant clergy

Empirical research by Blackmon (1984), Steinke (1989), Muck (1988), and Thoburn (1991), has established the fact that clergy sexual temptation should be an area of concern for the Church. The following article will venture beyond the empirical findings and construct a theoretical model by which we can better understand and prevent sexual temptation. While this model makes use of the data generated by Blackmon, Muck, Somers, Steinke, and Thoburn, it should be understood that the model makes logical inferences from the data which are not necessarily supported by the data. There will be a need to test the model through more sophisticated statistical analysis in the future.Ph.D., marriage and family therapist in private practice in Everett, WA.     

An IRT Model with a Parameter-Driven Process for Change

An IRT model with a parameter-driven process for change is proposed. Quantitative differences between persons are taken into account by a continuous latent variable, as in common IRT models. In addition, qualitative interindividual differences and autodependencies are accounted for by assuming within-subject variability with respect to the parameters of the IRT model. In particular, the parameters of the IRT model are governed by an unobserved or “hidden'” homogeneous Markov process. The model includes the mixture linear logistic test model (Mislevy & Verhelst, 1990), the mixture Rasch model (Rost, 1990), and the Saltus model (Wilson, 1989) as specific instances. The model is applied to a longitudinal experiment on discontinuity in conservation acquisition (van der Maas, 1993). Frank Rijmen was supported by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), the GOA/2000/02 granted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven to Paul De Boeck and Iven Van Mechelen, and the PDM/02/067 granted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven to Paul De Boeck.     

Visual stimulus intensity and location probability: Interactive effects on choice reaction time

Three prevalent models predict different stimulus intensity effects on RT. These are: the serial-stage model (additivity), the variable criterion model (larger intensity effects with slower responding), and the temporal overlap model (smaller intensity effects with slower responding). The predictions were tested in a dual-response situation including oculomotor and manual responses (RT). Other variables were stimulus location probability (expectancy), foreperiod (alertness), and stimulus intensity (encoding. In Experiment I, an Intensity x Probability interaction was found such that the intensity-effect was smaller at low stimulus probability. Three further experiments were performed in order to specify some of the conditions relevant for this phenomenon. The results are consistent with the temporal-overlap interpretation. It was suggested that the obtained interaction results from a processing delay due to increased demands for cognitive and response processing (Stanovich & Pachella, 1977), or to the attention switch to an unexpected S-R event.     

Repairing the reticulated model of scientific rationality

InScience and Values (1984) and other, more recent, works, e.g. (1987a, 1987b, 1989a, 1989b, 1990), Larry Laudan proposes a theory of scientific debate he dubs the reticulated model of scientific rationality (Laudan, 1984, pp. 50–66). The model stands in sharp contrast to hierarchical approaches to rationality exemplified by Popper (1959), Hempel (1965), and Reichenbach (1938), as well as the conventionalist views of rationality defended by Carnap (1950), Popper (1959), Kuhn (1962), and Lakatos (1978). Ironically, the model commits some of the same errors Laudan finds in hierarchicalist and conventionalists approaches to scientific rationality. This paper will show that the model can be fixed by recognizing that criteria of goal assessment have no privileged status. These rules are best viewed as simply rules of rationality (or rules of scientific method) by another name.     

父母支持、友谊质量对孤独感和抑郁的影响：检验一个间接效应模型

以560名5、7、10年级学生为被试, 检验父母支持、友谊质量与孤独感、抑郁的关系是否符合间接效应模型及其模型适用性问题。结构方程建模及群组分析结果发现：(1)总体上, 间接效应模型成立, 父母支持既直接影响孤独感和抑郁, 也通过影响友谊质量进而影响孤独感和抑郁状况; (2)从具体适应问题看, 间接效应模型对于孤独感和抑郁均显著, 但更适用于对孤独感的预测; (3)从发展阶段看, 间接效应模型仅适用于童年晚期和青少年早期, 且更适用于童年晚期; (4)从性别角度看, 间接效应模型对两性均显著, 但更适用于男生。结果提示, 父母支持、友谊质量对孤独感和抑郁的影响均符合间接效应模型, 但该模型的适用性可能因具体适应问题、发展阶段和性别而有差异。     

Changes at work and employee reactions: organizational elements, job insecurity, and short-term stress as predictors for employee health and safety

The objective was to identify focus areas for possible reduction of job insecurity and its outcomes. A model was specified and tested as a prediction model for health and safety. First, a parsimonious model was specified. The model consisted of perceived job insecurity (as a stressor), organizational factors (information quality, leadership style, work task administration), and short-term stress reactions (job dissatisfaction, reduced work motivation). Second, the model was tested as a prediction model in three separate path analyses, in order to examine the model's contribution in explaining (1) physical health complaints, (2) mental health complaints, and (3) risk taking behavior. A quota sample of Norwegian employees ( N = 1,002) was obtained by means of a self-completion questionnaire survey. The results of the structural equation modeling (path analyses) supported the hypothesized model. Mental health complaints and employee risk taking behavior were significantly predicted (not physical health complaints).     

An Examination of the Tripartite Model of Anxiety and Depression and Its Application to Youth

The ability to differentiate anxiety and depression has been a topic of discussion in the adult and youth literatures for several decades. The tripartite model of anxiety and depression proposed by L. A. Clark and D. Watson (1991) has helped focus the discussion. In the tripartite model, anxiety is characterized by elevated levels of physiological hyperarousal (PH), depression is characterized by low levels of positive affect (PA), and negative affect (NA) or generalized emotional distress is common to both. The advent of the model led to the development of measures of tripartite constructs and subsequent validity studies. The tripartite model and resultant activity concerning the model was largely devoted to adult samples. However, those interested in anxiety and depression among youth are now incorporating the tripartite model in their work. This paper examines the current influence of the tripartite model in the youth literature, especially with regard to measuring anxiety and depression.     

Antecedents of virtual community satisfaction and loyalty: an empirical test of competing theories.

The rapid growth of virtual communities (VCs) on the Internet raises important research questions regarding the antecedents of satisfaction and loyalty in VCs. This study compared the technology acceptance model (TAM), Seddon Information Systems Success Model (Seddon model), and an integrated model (combining the TAM and Seddon model) to examine which model best helps to predict user satisfaction with VCs. Using a structural equation model, data collected from 198 community members were used to compare the three models in terms of overall model fit, explanatory power, and path significance. The findings show that two TAM components (perceived usefulness and ease of use) are determinants of user satisfaction with VCs. This study also found the influence of quality-perception dimensions (e.g., system and information quality) on user satisfaction to be significant. Additionally, this study found general support for user satisfaction as a determinant of loyalty in VCs. Finally, an integrated model, combining the TAM and Seddon model, provided better explanatory power than either the TAM or the Seddon model alone. Finally, this study discusses the implications of these findings and offers directions for future research.     

Formulation and experimental verification of models in propositional reasoning

In Evans (1977) an experiment of Evans and Lynch (1973) based on Wason's selection task is re-analysed. We reformulated the model proposed by Evans as a state model and extended it to a new model by means of which the data of Evans and Lynch (1973), of Manktelow and Evans (1979), and of our own experiments can be explained. The new model is based on a falsification state, a verification state and a matching state.     

Does social dominance generate prejudice? Integrating individual and contextual determinants of intergroup cognitions

Social dominance orientation (SDO) has been proposed as an important variable in the explanation of prejudice. We distinguish between three conceptualizations of SDO: SDO as a personality trait (personality model), SDO as a moderator of the effects of situational variables (Person x Situation model), and SDO as a mediator of the effect of social position on prejudice (group socialization model [GSM]). Four studies (N = 1.657) looking at the relations between social positions, SDO, and prejudice in a natural setting and in a laboratory setting provide strong support for the GSM. In contrast to previous correlational findings, there is evidence of a cause (dominant social position), an effect (prejudice increases), and a mediator (SDO). These results suggest new perspectives on the integration of individual and contextual determinants of prejudice.     

A general possible worlds framework for reasoning about knowledge and belief

In this paper non-normal worlds semantics is presented as a basic, general, and unifying approach to epistemic logic. The semantical framework of non-normal worlds is compared to the model theories of several logics for knowledge and belief that were recently developed in Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is shown that every model for implicit and explicit belief (Levesque), for awareness, general awareness, and local reasoning (Fagin and Halpern), and for awareness and principles (van der Hoek and Meyer) induces a non-normal worlds model validating precisely the same formulas (of the language in question).     

On Detecting Nonlinear Noncompensatory Judgment Strategies: Comparison of Alternative Regression Models

We compare the performance of the two models that are usually used to detect nonlinear noncompensatory (NLNC) judgment strategies - Einhorn′s (1970) parabolic and hyperbolic models - to two new models: (1) The scatter model (Brannick & Brannick, 1989), which includes, in addition to the linear combination of attribute values, a nonlinear term - the within profile scatter of the attributes; and (2) The "true conjunctive-disjunctive" model (TCD model), which includes additional nonlinear terms associated with the relative values of the attributes. The analyses of 12 empirical datasets indicate that the scatter model is the best NLNC model in terms of model fit. Furthermore, the analyses also indicate that when judgment strategies are relatively homogeneous, the nonlinear terms of the scatter model and the TCD model are most useful measures of NLNC strategies because they are statistically more powerful than model fit-based measures and because they permit the representation of judgment strategies on a conjunctive-disjunctive continuum. The nonlinear term of the scatter model also allows testing for NLNC strategies on the individual level.     

Models of positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia: an empirical evaluation of latent structures

The present investigation empirically evaluated three competing models of the relations between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia, namely the severity-liability model (Gottesman, McGuffin, & Farmer, 1987), Andreasen's unidimensional bipolar model (Andreasen & Olsen, 1982), and Crow's independent dual-process model (Crow, 1980a, 1980b). Using positive and negative symptom ratings based on 220 schizophrenic subjects, the results of a LISREL VI (Joreskog & Sorbom, 1984) confirmatory factor analysis revealed that Crow's model of positive and negative symptoms provided the best fit to the observed data among the three models. The severity-liability model provided a modest fit to observed data, and Andreasen's model fit the data poorly. Results are interpreted as supporting the validity of the positive and negative symptom distinction in schizophrenia and as providing substantive empirical support for Crow's independent dual-process model. The methodological advantages of confirmatory factor analysis in the specification and evaluation of theoretical models in experimental and developmental psychopathology are discussed.     

Statistical Tests for Comparing Possibly Misspecified and Nonnested Models

Model selection criteria (MSC) involves selecting the model with the best estimated goodness-of-fit to the data generating process. Following the method of Vuong (1989), a large sample Model Selection Test (MST), is introduced that can be used in conjunction with most existing MSC procedures to decide if the estimated goodness-of-fit for one model is significantly different from the estimated goodness-of-fit for another model. The MST extends the classical generalized likelihood ratio test, is valid in the presence of model misspecification, and is applicable to situations involving nonnested probability models. Simulation studies designed to illustrate the concept of the MST and its conservative decision rule (relative to the MSC method) are also presented. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Sources of motivation, interpersonal conflict management styles, and leadership effectiveness: a structural model

126 leaders and 624 employees were sampled to test the relationship between sources of motivation and conflict management styles of leaders and how these variables influence effectiveness of leadership. Five sources of motivation measured by the Motivation Sources Inventory were tested-intrinsic process, instrumental, self-concept external, self-concept internal, and goal internalization. These sources of work motivation were associated with Rahim's modes of interpersonal conflict management-dominating, avoiding, obliging, complying, and integrating-and to perceived leadership effectiveness. A structural equation model tested leaders' conflict management styles and leadership effectiveness based upon different sources of work motivation. The model explained variance for obliging (65%), dominating (79%), avoiding (76%), and compromising (68%), but explained little variance for integrating (7%). The model explained only 28% of the variance in leader effectiveness.