Performance evaluation of recent information criteria for selecting multilevel models in Behavioral and Social Sciences

This study was designed to find the best strategy for selecting the correct multilevel model among several alternatives taking into account variables such as intraclass correlation, number of groups (m), group size (n), or others as parameter values and intercept-slope covariance. First, we examine this question in a simulation study and second, to illustrate the behavior of the criteria and to explore the generalizability of the findings, a previously published educational dataset is analyzed. The results showed that none of the selection criteria behaved correctly under all the conditions or was consistently better than the others. The intraclass correlation somewhat affects the performance of all selection criteria, but the extent of this influence is relatively minor compared to sample size, parameter values, and correlation between random effects. A large number of groups appears more important than a large number of individuals per group in selecting the best model (m ≥ 50 and n ≥ 20 is suggested). Finally, model selection tools such as Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) or the conditional AIC are recommend when it is assumed that random effects are correlated, whereas use of the Schwarz's Bayesian Information Criterion or the consistent AIC are advantageous for uncorrelated random effects.     

Where to look for information when planning scientific research in Psychology: Sources and channels

It is imperative that researchers invest time in the planning of their research, and it is certainly essential to stop and seek information before making any kind of decision. The present work sets out to guide psychologists in this crucial task. To this end we begin by suggesting a visit to the APA website, where a great deal of relevant information on most topics can be found, whether it pertains to new and controversial issues or to those on which there is greater consensus. In this regard we shall consider at length the meanings of the expressions “evidence-based practice” and “scientific evidence” and their inherent methodological aspects, from “scientific evidence” contributed by systematic reviews to the way it can be obtained using handbooks and guidelines of inestimable value for the successful completion of our research. All such resources will help researchers to set out their hypotheses correctly, to test them adequately and to analyze the data in the most appropriate and rigorous fashion. In this way, the quality of the research will undoubtedly improve.     

Effects of different facets of paternal and maternal control behaviour on early adolescents' perceived academic competence

The purpose of this study was to examine how different aspects of paternal and maternal control behaviours influence the perceived academic competence of early adolescents indirectly via their engagement with school. The analyses are based on a longitudinal study with two waves that were separated by 12 months. The participants were 228 early adolescents (50.4% girls) with an average age of 11.62 years (SD = .41) at the outset. Structural equation modeling analyses using bootstrapping procedures revealed that parental supervision was indirectly related to the perceived academic competence of adolescents via their engagement with schools, whereas parental authoritarian control was only linked to engagement with school. The discussion focuses on the multifaceted nature of parental control and the importance of both parents for the academic success of adolescents.     

Confirmatory factor analysis of different versions of the Body Shape Questionnaire applied to Brazilian university students

This study aimed at evaluating the validity, reliability, and factorial invariance of the complete (34-item) and shortened (8-item and 16-item) versions of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) when applied to Brazilian university students. A total of 739 female students with a mean age of 20.44 (standard deviation = 2.45) years participated. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify the degree to which the one-factor structure satisfies the proposal for the BSQ's expected structure. Two items of the 34-item version were excluded because they had factor weights (λ) < 40. All models had adequate convergent validity (average variance extracted = .43–.58; composite reliability = .85–.97) and internal consistency (α = .85–.97). The 8-item B version was considered the best shortened BSQ version (Akaike information criterion = 84.07, Bayes information criterion = 157.75, Browne–Cudeck criterion = 84.46), with strong invariance for independent samples (Δχ²λ(7) = 5.06, Δχ²Cov(8) = 5.11, Δχ²Res(16) = 19.30).     

A Professor's Experience With Loss: An Autobiographical Case Study

The purpose of this article is to present an autobiographical case study chronicling a psychology professor's experience with grief and the loss of her father during the early stages of her academic career. The article highlights the obstacles faced in dealing with anticipatory grief but also demonstrates how clinicians and researchers may use adverse life circumstances to develop research and applied programs centered around their experiences. Rooted in Viktor Frankl's work on logotherapy, the author demonstrates how traumatic experiences can help psychologists find meaning and purpose in their work. Directions for future research focusing on larger scale populations are addressed.     

议程与习惯性反应对学习时间分配的影响：来自眼动的证据

采用眼动记录技术,操作三种词对位置,探讨议程与习惯性反应对学习时间分配的影响。实验一设置无时间限制条件,结果发现,20名大学生被试均优先选择左边的项目,项目的自定步调学习时间不存在词对位置效应。结果表明,被试的习惯性反应影响项目选择,不影响自定步调学习时间。实验二设置有时间限制条件,结果发现,20名大学生被试均优先选择容易项目并分配更多的时间学习容易项目,且容易项目的选择存在词对位置效应。结果表明,议程驱动主导被试的项目选择和自定步调学习时间,但不能完全消除习惯性反应对项目选择的影响。     

关于日间手术模式的研究及应用进展

日间手术最早始于英国,指在1个工作日内完成患者入院、手术以及出院,该模式在欧美国家得到广泛接受并推广.安全开展日间手术必须具备良好的设备条件,同时拥有包括手术医师、麻醉师及专业护士在内的合格规范的日间手术团队,并在患者选择、术前准备与评估、麻醉与围手术期镇痛、术后恶心呕吐预防控制、康复与离院标准、随访与再入院等各方面遵循相应地规范性要求,从而最大程度地保障医疗安全与患者利益.日间手术模式正符合我国当前医改对“安全、有效、方便、价廉的医疗卫生服务”这一目标的要求,近年来也日益受到我国临床工作者的重视.     

中年人睡眠相关行为与高血压关系的病例对照研究

为探讨中年人睡眠相关行为与高血压发病风险之间的关系。本研究采用1：1匹配的病例对照研究法;资料收集方法采用问卷调查法;资料处理分析采用t检验及多元条件Logistic回归模型分析法。结果显示中年人病例组与对照组睡眠质量存在显著性差异（t=6．19,P〈0．05）。（1）睡眠相关行为（每日睡眠不足、夜间睡眠不足、睡眠时点延迟、睡眠质量差、入睡困难、每周入睡困难次数增加及打鼾等因素）多元条件Logistic回归模型的OR值和95％CI分别为[（OR=5．07,95％CI：3．12～8．21）;（OR=5．57,95％CI：3．43～9．04）;（OR=2．27,95％CI：1．49～3．47）;（OR=2．17,95％CI：1．60～2．94）;（OR=3．36,95％CI：1．47～7．69）;（OR=1．55,95％CI：1．08～2．24）;（OR=2．69,95％CI：1．86～3．88）]。（2）适当午睡为（OR=0．85,95％CI：0．74～0．98）。（3）早起与否（OR=1．40,95％CI：0．87～2．20）。因此（1）中年人睡眠相关行为与高血压发病密切相关,每日睡眠不足、夜间睡眠不足、睡眠时点延迟、睡眠质量差、入睡困难、每周入睡困难次数增加及打鼾等因素可能为高血压发病的危险因素;（2）中年人适当午睡可能是高血压发病的保护性因素;（3）是否早起与高血压发病关系尚不清晰。