Structural Modeling of Measurement Error in Generalized Linear Models with Rasch Measures as Covariates

This paper proposes a structural analysis for generalized linear models when some explanatory variables are measured with error and the measurement error variance is a function of the true variables. The focus is on latent variables investigated on the basis of questionnaires and estimated using item response theory models. Latent variable estimates are then treated as observed measures of the true variables. This leads to a two-stage estimation procedure which constitutes an alternative to a joint model for the outcome variable and the responses given to the questionnaire. Simulation studies explore the effect of ignoring the true error structure and the performance of the proposed method. Two illustrative examples concern achievement data of university students. Particular attention is given to the Rasch model.     

Who finds neutral pictures pleasant and relaxing?

Valence and arousal are independent dimensions of consciously experienced affect. The former refers to pleasantness; the latter to the degree of excitement or stimulation. The present research explores some of the predictors of these dimensions through the hypothesis that valence relates to positive affect and lack of negative affect, while arousal is tied to negative affect, and that both are predicted by personal wellbeing, considered as a way of achieving happiness. The occurrence of depressive symptoms is also considered within the hypothesis: as a facet of negative affect, as lack of wellbeing, or as an independent dimension placed at the same level as wellbeing, and which relates to both positive and negative affect (considered as mediators). Sixty-one participants were asked to view on a computer screen a series of 20 neutral pictures, having medium valence and low arousal, and complete self-report questionnaires to assess affect, personal wellbeing, and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. After picture viewing, valence and arousal judgments were requested. In the analysis, three competing models with latent variables were tested, to assess at best the role depressive symptoms have. They confirmed that valence is predicted by high positive and low negative affect, arousal by negative affect and even directly by the occurrence of depressive symptoms, and that personal wellbeing and depressive symptoms are the starting point. They are negatively correlated and predict positive (both) and negative affect (just the occurrence of depressive symptoms). The discussion focuses on both theoretical and practical implications. Suggestions for future research are given.     

Rhetorical Argumentation in Italian Academic Discourse

The recent trend in institutional communication research seems to foster the image of the University as a private organization significantly oriented towards a policy of customer satisfaction. Following the concept of organizational culture, institutional settings too are conceived as organizational contexts, where discourse is a privileged vehicle to convey and spread values, traditions and artifacts, both through internal and external communication practices. Thus, within academic discourse organizational culture is shaped and perpetuated by specific devices of rhetorical argumentation. The corpus of data consists of two different examples of academic discourse: the self promotional endorsement letters of the academic candidates to the chancellor’s position on occasion of the elections and the inaugural speeches proclaimed by the chancellors in charge during the opening celebration of the academic year. The first kind of academic discourse could be meant as an example of political discourse since the candidates use communication strategically and manipulate their academic membership as a rhetorical device to support their aims. On the other hand, the second example is a mere celebration of academic culture which through linguistic rituals recalls and perpetuates the basic values of this microcosm. The data have been analysed with the critical discourse analysis and diatextual analysis which pay particular attention to the context of speech. Moreover, attention has been focused on the metaphors and on the meta-discursive cues. The results show that although with different purposes academic discourse use similar discursive and rhetorical strategies as both belong to the same organization.     

A new policy initiative. Infants and toddlers with handicapping conditions

Past legislation related to children and families has been used to improve services to specific target groups of children and families in need (i.e., poor, handicapped, etc.) Current legislation, notably Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, and Public Law 99-457 (Part H), Services for Infants and Toddlers with Handicapping Conditions, also includes elements of mandated reform of certain professional practices (i.e., inclusion of parents in planning and requirements for multidisciplinary cooperation). Such a mandate has the effect of putting into practice changes that many professionals have said were needed but were unable to achieve, but it also makes the implementation of these policies more difficult.     

Evaluation of a microskills programme with field-based counsellors: Effects on core attitudes and counselling skills

Two issues relevant to the role of microtraining in counsellor training are examined. Firstly, due to the increasing use of the microcounselling framework for training counsellors, either directly or indirectly, in the Rogerian attitudes, the effects of such a programme on counsellor attitudes was investigated. Secondly, although microskills training has been generally found to improve and increase trainee's helping skills usage and effectiveness, its effects on field-based counsellors have rarely been evalulated. Thus the second objective of the study was to examine this issue. The subjects were 12 counsellors from a number of counselling agencies. Six of these counsellors participated in a microcounselling programme which taught the skills of nonverbal communication, questioning, reflecting, listening, self-disclosure, reinforcement, opening and closing. The data base for the study consisted of videorecordings of each subject's participation in two extended interactions—one involving an individual discussing a real concern, and the other involving an individual discussing a simulated concern. Various measures of counsellor attitudes, effectiveness, skills, and actual behaviours were obtained. Comparison of the experimental and control groups indicated that the microcounselling programme had little effect on any of the aspects of counsellor performance examined. It is concluded that, although aspects of the design may have influenced the results, an integrated microcounselling approach may be more effective in developing attitudes. In addition, it appears that the characteristics of a professional population, such as counsellors, may differ from those of novices, such that problems in effecting change in skilled performance will occur with the former group.     

An investigation into the validity of role play as a procedure for counsellor skill assessment

The aim of this study was to determine the validity of role play as a method for assessing counsellor skill. Video recordings of twelve counsellors' performance in both real and simulated counselling interactions were analysed. Skill assessment included molar ratings of eight skill areas and molecular measures of 28 behaviours. A comparison of counsellor performance between conditions indicated that there was little difference between the real and role-play situations. It is concluded that the modified extended role-play format employed in the present study might be a valid technique for assessment of counselling skills.