Trade‐off ranking method for multi‐criteria decision analysis

Multi‐criteria decision analysis presumes trade‐off between different criteria. As a result, the optimal solution is not unique and can be represented by the Pareto frontier in the objective space. Each Pareto solution is a compromise between different objectives. Despite a limited number of Pareto optimal solutions, the decision‐maker eventually has to choose only one option. Such a choice has to be made with the use of additional preferences not included in the original formulation of the optimization problem. The paper represents a new approach to an automatic ranking that can help the decision‐maker. In contrast to the other methodologies, the proposed method is based on the minimization of trade‐off between different Pareto solutions. To be realized, the approach presumes the existence of a well‐distributed Pareto set representing the entire Pareto frontier. In the paper, such a set is generated with the use of the directed search domain algorithm. The method is applied to a number of test cases and compared against two existing alternative approaches.     

A one-step method for modelling longitudinal data with differential equations

Differential equation models are frequently used to describe non-linear trajectories of longitudinal data. This study proposes a new approach to estimate the parameters in differential equation models. Instead of estimating derivatives from the observed data first and then fitting a differential equation to the derivatives, our new approach directly fits the analytic solution of a differential equation to the observed data, and therefore simplifies the procedure and avoids bias from derivative estimations. A simulation study indicates that the analytic solutions of differential equations (ASDE) approach obtains unbiased estimates of parameters and their standard errors. Compared with other approaches that estimate derivatives first, ASDE has smaller standard error, larger statistical power and accurate Type I error. Although ASDE obtains biased estimation when the system has sudden phase change, the bias is not serious and a solution is also provided to solve the phase problem. The ASDE method is illustrated and applied to a two-week study on consumers’ shopping behaviour after a sale promotion, and to a set of public data tracking participants’ grammatical facial expression in sign language. R codes for ASDE, recommendations for sample size and starting values are provided. Limitations and several possible expansions of ASDE are also discussed.     

The robustness of the factor structure of the Self-Restraint Scale: What does self-restraint encompass?

In contrast with the original version of the Self-Restraint Scale (SRS; [Weinberger, D.A., & Schwartz, G.E. (1990). Distress and restraint as superordinate dimensions of self-reported adjustment: A typological perspective. Journal of Personality, 58, 381–417]), confirmatory factor analysis did not support a four-factor solution. In the current study an exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure. Although the original subscales suppression of aggression, consideration of others, and impulse control were confirmed by the data, responsibility did not fit within the overall concept of self-restraint. These results provide some indication that although the subscales can be used independently, the way self-restraint is conceptualized should be reconsidered. Future studies are needed to confirm the factor structure observed in the current study.     

小学数学真实性问题解决的调查研究

在常规课堂上对来自北京市两所小学148位10-12岁的小学生进行真实性问题的测验,研究结果表明:1)被试中对真实数学问题作出真实性解答的人数比例约为四分之一,高于国外同类研究中比例.2)作出常规解答的人数比例约为一半,显著高于作出真实解答的人数比例.3)六年级被试作出真实解答的人数比例普遍高于四年级,但是在某些问题上,六年级被试中作出常规解答的人数比例反而高于四年级.4)被试对不同真实问题的反应存在一定的差异,这可能与真实问题的特点有关.     

Penser autrement les difficultés scolaires : les apports du Rorschach en système intégré

This study examines school under-achievement from the perspective of clinical psychology. We compare 2 groups of children in the 3^rd grade (mean age 9) based on their results on a national test of French language and Mathematics. We present the Rorschach results of 7 high performers compared to 7 low performers, all of whom have IQ scores (K. ABC) that are in the average range (90 - 109). The Rorschach data (Comprehensive System) demonstrate no differences between these groups of children concerning affective functioning and stress tolerance. However, the quantitative and qualitative results are notably different concerning attitudes relative to complex situations, in the area of critical self-perception and conflict-resolution strategies.     

Étude des stratégies d’adultes présentant un retard mental dans la résolution de la Twenty Questions Task

A Twenty Questions problem solving Task was given to 30 mentally retarded adults, 30 mentally nonretarded adults matched on chronological age, and 12 mentally nonretarded children matched on cognitive efficiency. Four strategies were identified on the basis of a subject-by-subject analysis. Results showed group differences of frequency in the use of the strategies. Moreover, results indicated that the more frequent strategy used by the mentally retarded adults is the one which consists in identifying the categories without using them to efficiently reduce the problem space. The interpretation of the results as reflecting a conceptual deficit or a chronicle cognitive sub-functioning of the mentally retarded adults depicted in the literature is discussed.     

Number-word sequence skill and arithmetic performance

In two studies, the role of the number‐word sequence skill for arithmetic performance was investigated. In the first, children between 4 and 8 years of age were asked to count forward and backward on the number‐word sequence and to solve arithmetic problems followed by post‐solution interviews about solution procedures. The results demonstrated that the number‐word sequence skill predicted both number of problems solved and strategy to solve the problems. In Study 2 it was found that solving doubles (e.g., 2 + 2 = ?) problems served as a link between the number‐word sequence skill and the number of arithmetic problems solved. The findings suggest that counting on the number‐word sequence may be an early solution procedure and that, with increasing counting skill, the child may detect regularities in the number‐word sequence that can be used to form new and more accurate strategies for solving arithmetic problems.     

Salespeople as knowledge brokers: a review and critique of the challenger sales model

Over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in a new sales training approach – referred to as the Challenger Sales model – to engage customers. This approach, focusing on purposefully generating tension with customers to spark new ways of thinking, has gained traction among leading sales organizations. Although generating tension with customers has received a great deal of interest, researchers have yet to complete a systematic, in-depth examination of the Challenger model. The purpose of this article is to provide a much needed comprehensive review and critique of the approach. By conducting both an empirical and conceptual review of the framework, we offer insight into its novelty, merits and weaknesses.     

Relationship between field dependence-independence and the g factor: What can problem-solving strategies tell us?

IntroductionField dependence-independence (FDI) has been the focus of a great deal of research. However, it is generally studied in relation to either personality or the g factor, with far fewer studies of the interconnections between FDI, the g factor and problem-solving strategies.ObjectiveOur first aim was to study the relationship between FDI and the g factor. Our second was to explain this relationship by analysing problem-solving strategies.MethodOne hundred and seventy 14-year-old performed three tests: the GEFT, the D-70, and a second, prototype g-factor test that enabled us to identify which strategies they used.ResultsResults confirmed the classic link between FDI and the g factor, and attributed this link to greater use of the most efficient strategies.     

A Solution-Based Approach to Couple Therapy

Abstract

Couples often present for counseling as a last resort. As relationships in crisis may not last it is important that treatment be time-effective. Solution-based therapies have been described as brief and time-effective and applied effectively to working with couples. This article presents a case example demonstrating the application of a solution-based approach to therapy with a married African-American couple entering therapy to resolve their relationship difficulties that lead to the initiation of divorce proceedings. The processes of reducing blame and conflict, creating hope and solution building utilizing solution-based interventions are discussed, as well as the treatment outcomes.