项目特征曲线等值的抽样误差

现在,等值越来越受到各考试测验机构及测量学研究人员的重视,特别是项目反应理论等值的优越性更使他们有了信心。然而,很多人却没有注意到被试能力分布形态可能给等值结果带来的影响效果及程度。本研究以项目反应理论两级记分模型的项目参数等值在不同被试能力分布形态下的结果差异作为重点,探讨被试抽样偏差可能给项目特征曲线等值带来的误差问题。研究结果表明,被试能力分布形态会显著地影响项目参数等值的系数,特别地,能力分布的偏态系数与等值方程的截距存在显著的线性相关关系,但能力分布形态的变化对等值方程中斜率的影响并不明显     

计算机控制心理学实验过程的计时误差分析

计算机在控制心理学实验过程中,可能引入各种潜在的计时误差,特别在短时呈现各种实验刺激时,有些误差是不应忽略的。本文重点分析屏幕刷新率对实验设计的限制及可能产生的计时误差和解决方法。     

不规则几何图形识别取样特征的眼动研究

探讨不规则几何图形识别中取样的眼动特征。被试为12名大学生,刺激材料为20个不规则几何图形,采用EyelinkII型眼动仪。结果发现,随作业难度加大,被试在认知加工中的有效取样时间比显著下降。在不良视觉条件下,图形信息的取样点数量显著减少,眼动扫视路径显著增长。在识别旋转图形时,有效取样时间下降,取样点数量增加,眼动扫视路径增长。图形信息的显示条件与显示方式的交互作用对图形识别的反应时、取样点的数量和眼动扫视路径长度的影响显著。     

Inferences about which of J dependent groups has the largest robust measure of location

Recently, a multiple comparisons procedure was derived with the goal of determining whether it is reasonable to make a decision about which of J independent groups has the largest robust measure of location. This was done by testing hypotheses aimed at comparing the group with the largest estimate to the remaining J − 1 groups. It was demonstrated that for the goal of controlling the familywise error rate, meaning the probability of one or more Type I errors, well-known improvements on the Bonferroni method can perform poorly. A technique for dealing with this issue was suggested and found to perform well in simulations. However, when dealing with dependent groups, the method is unsatisfactory. This note suggests an alternative method that is designed for dependent groups.     

Sequential sampling designs for the two-parameter item response theory model

In optimal design research, designs are optimized with respect to some statistical criterion under a certain model for the data. The ideas from optimal design research have spread into various fields of research, and recently have been adopted in test theory and applied to item response theory (IRT) models. In this paper a generalized variance criterion is used for sequential sampling in the two-parameter IRT model. Some general principles are offered to enable a researcher to select the best sampling design for the efficient estimation of item parameters.     

Random error in holistic evaluations and additive decompositions of multiattribute utility — an empirical comparison

This paper details the results of an empirical investigation of the random errors associated with decomposition estimates of multiattribute utility. In a riskless setting, two groups of subjects were asked to evaluate multiattribute alternatives both holistically and with the use of an additive decomposition. For one group, the alternatives were described in terms of three attributes, and for the other in terms of five. Estimates of random error associated with the various elicitations (holistic, single-attribute utility, scaling constants, or weights) were obtained using a test-retest format. It was found for both groups that the additive decomposition had significantly smaller levels of random error than the holistic evaluation. However, the number of attributes did not seem to make a significant difference to the amount of random error associated with the decomposition estimates. The levels of error found in the various elicitations were consistent with theoretical bounds that have recently been proposed in the literature. These results show that the structure imposed on the problem through decomposition results in measurable improvement in quality of the multiattribute utility judgements, and contribute to a greater understanding of the decomposition method in decision analysis.     

Choice As A Function Of Reinforcement Ratios In Delayed Matching-to-sample

Pigeons were studied in two experiments using a delayed matching-to-sample task. In Experiment 1, 4 subjects were exposed to a task in which the proportion of reinforcement associated with matching and nonmatching, and the overall proportion of reinforcement associated with selecting each choice, regardless of the sample stimulus, were varied. Choice was sensitive to both proportions. A least squares regression analysis showed that Wixted's (1989) proportions of reinforcement model closely fit the data from Experiment 1; however, the model failed to make accurate qualitative predictions for some test conditions. In Experiment 2, 4 subjects were exposed to a delayed matching-to-sample task in which the retention intervals and the reduction in delay to reinforcement signaled by the onset of the sample stimulus were independently varied. When the retention interval was short and when the delay-reduction value of the sample stimulus was high, the sample exerted greater control over choice; the control by the overall proportion of reinforcements for selecting each choice stimulus was correspondingly low. Conversely, when the retention interval was long and the delay-reduction value of the sample stimulus was low, the sample exerted relatively less control over choice; control by the overall proportion of reinforcements obtained for selecting each choice stimulus was correspondingly high. A signal detection analysis found that sensitivity to reinforcement varied directly with retention interval. Data were also consistent with misallocation models. No evidence was found to suggest that pigeons ignore the rate at which selecting individual choice stimuli is reinforced, as has been reported in studies with human subjects.     

Direct assessment of quality of care in a geriatric nursing home

Direct observation was used to examine multiple aspects of care provided in a proprietary nursing home. The samples were taken at random intervals, 7 days per week for 5 weeks, across several categories of environmental and resident conditions as well as staff and resident activity. Results showed a high degee of compliance with predefined standards (based on current federal regulations) for environmental and resident conditions. Overall distributions of resident and staff activity showed results similar to those found in previous studies, with residents spending most of their time engaged in nonsocial activity and staff spending the majority of their time engaged in nonresident work. When data were analyzed across areas of the facility, times of day, and weekdays versus weekends, some differences were noted. Weekend versus weekday comparisons showed higher resident:staff ratios on weekends and more resident inactivity, but no significant differences in environmental or resident conditions. In addition, more frequent resident care, resident interaction, and resident activity were observed in Medicare units than in non-Medicare units. Results are discussed in terms of federal requirements for monitoring the quality of care in nursing homes and the potential use of time sampling expressly for this purpose.     

Action and emotion in everyday life

This study of naturally occurring behaviour employed a "beeper technique" to investigate the actions carried out by 152 subjects in eight different groups, viz. adult students, employed students who were also parents, unemployed, art students, doctoral students, alcoholics, retired people and a control group. Actions were sampled for seven subsequent days, five times per day between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. at randomly selected occasions. Each action was rated on a number of variables, shortly after it was sampled (median delay approximately 10 min). Some of the findings were: Time allocation corresponded well with national estimates. Being under situational control was highly aversive. Instrumental and consummatory orientations correlated positively. The background variables were, on the whole, only rather weakly related to action ratings, but it was found that women and retired persons tended to report a higher level of well-being.