Interval recording for duration events: a re‐evaluation

In two experiments, events that were recorded using continuous duration recording (CDR) were rescored using 10‐s partial interval (PIR), 10‐s momentary time sampling (MTS) and 20‐s MTS. Results of Experiment 1 showed that data paths generated by each interval method produced conclusions about functional control that were similar to those based on CDR when using reversal designs; however, for multielement designs, 10‐s PIR was prone to showing differentiation between data paths that was not evident with CDR. Results of Experiment 2 showed that both 10‐s and 20‐s MTS yielded data paths on behavior–behavior relations (e.g., covarying responses) that were consistent with CDR whereas 10‐s PIR produced some behavior–behavior patterns that were not. In both experiments, 10‐s MTS generated data paths that were nearly identical to the respective CDR data paths. The implications of these findings for researchers and clinicians are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Predicting Pay Grade in the U.S. Military by Gender and Ethnic Minority Status1

This study examined predictors of pay grade for ethnic minorities and women in the U.S. military using hierarchical regression analyses. In the analysis including all personnel, being a woman and ethnic minority status were negative predictors of pay grade after controlling for education and years of service. In the analysis using enlisted personnel, the interaction between years of service and minority status showed that more years of service was associated with higher pay grade among ethnic majority enlisted personnel after controlling for education and years of service. In the model using officers, being a woman was a negative predictor of pay grade after controlling for education and years of service. Future studies, implications, limitations, and strengths are discussed.     

The effect of three procedures for eliminating a conditioned taste aversion in the rat

Although extinction procedures have been the most common techniques used to eliminate conditioned taste aversions, several studies have employed postconditioning exposure to the US instead. To date, a comparison of the effectiveness of these two techniques has not been possible, because there were differences in the conditioning phases of these studies. In the present study, after an aversion to saccharin had been established, rats were administered 1, 5, or 10 extinction trials, 1, 5, or 10 postconditioning exposures to the US, or a period of no treatment. Then, all rats received seven two-bottle extinction tests. Five or ten extinction trials reduced the aversion to saccharin most effectively. Five or ten postconditioning presentations of the US were also effective. However, this effect was not noticeable until the fourth of seven test trials, suggesting an elimination procedure-test trials interaction. Neither the extinction nor the US postexposure procedure completely eliminated the aversion. In addition: (i) a single postconditioning exposure to either the CS or the US was ineffective in attenuating the aversion; and (ii) when no postconditioning treatment was administered, the strength of the aversion was undiminished for 20 days.     

Use of the adolescent SASSI in a juvenile correctional setting

The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-Adolescent (SASSI-A) is used in evaluation and treatment planning for incarcerated juveniles. Validity of the SASSI-A in a juvenile correctional facility was examined using archival data. Findings generally support the validity of SASSI-A substance use scales. However, there is concern regarding the potential for ethnic bias in this setting. Cut-scores suggest that the SASSI-A may best be used for detecting problematic alcohol consumption using the Face Valid Alcohol Scale > or = 3. Future studies should more closely investigate whether the three underlying dimensions of the SASSI-A are useful in treatment planning. Results are presented in light of the relatively new SASSI-A2.     

Sources of acute sport stress scale for sports officials: Rasch calibration

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop and calibrate the Sources of Acute Stress Scale for Sports Officials (SASS-SO) using the Rasch model.Design and methodThis was a cross-sectional, self-reported study. Of the 3300 participants with valid (no missing) data, 90.1% were males, ranging in age from 19.6 to 57.8 yrs., and serving as sports officials from 3 to 24 yrs. The officials represented high school, collegiate, and professional athletic associations representing 13 sports throughout the United States.ResultsUsing the Rasch model, the level of sources of stress item difficulty and individual's level of acute stress were estimated. Model-data fit was determined by Infit and Outfit statistics (≥0.5 and ≤1.5). A rating scale was also evaluated for proper functioning. With the exception of two items, the model fit the data well. Infit and Outfit measures were within the appropriate range supported the unidimensional structure of the SASS-SO. The two most severe sources of acute stress were “I made an incorrect call” and “I was out of position.” The two least severe sources of acute stress items were “I received verbal abuse from players” and “My supervisor/evaluator was present.”ConclusionsThe probability thresholds and item response ordering showed that the rating scale functioned well. Although item parameters had slightly inappropriate coverage, the ability parameters were reasonably varied. The results of this study support the use of the SASS-SO in assessing sources of acute stress among sports officials.